JN 9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

JN 9:19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

JN 9:20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

JN 9:21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

JN 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

JN 9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

Jesus had healed a man who was born blind.  The Pharisees question the former blind man on how he was healed.  They did not like the answer.  So trying to disprove the healing, the Pharisees bring in the former blind mans parents.  His parents testified that it was their son that was healed and that he was born blind.  But they would not testify that Jesus did it.  The son they loved and raised was now healed.  Their son who had to beg for money, and had to bear the reproach of people who thought he was blind because he was a sinner.  The son they loved is now healed by Jesus and will no longer have to suffer being blind.  This was a big deal for this family.  You would think that these parents would be spreading the news about this great healing.  You would think that they would be telling others about the healing power of Jesus.  But they did not.  Why?  The answer is found in verse 22. 

JN 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

The parents did not tell others about Jesus because of what others might do to them.  They knew that if they witnessed for Christ that they were going to be put out of the synagogue.  They would loose their social status and their business contacts and many of their friends.  They could not go to the synagogue anymore, which was a center of their society.  They felt that the cost of witnessing for Jesus was too high.  Now before you are too hard on these parents, realize that many of us today do the same thing.  We will not speak out and witness for Jesus because we are afraid of the consequences.  We are afraid of loosing friends or social status.  Many are worried what others might think.  None of these are valid reasons for not witnessing for Jesus. 

JN 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

Jesus is the only one that ever was or ever will be that could say "I do always those things that please him."  Face it, we all do things that do not please the Father.  Most likely you have done something in the last week that did not please Him.  It could have been a little lie you told or an impure thought or you did not love your neighbor the way you should or a thousand other things.  We are all sinners with a sin nature.  We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners.  It is our nature.  However, Jesus was not a sinner.  He did not have a sin nature.  He proved it by being able to always please God.  Not once did Jesus ever let God the Father down.  Not once.  Not one slip up in His entire life.  Jesus had no sin and proved it with His life.  And because He was without sin, He could go to the cross and pay for our sin.  He was the just dieing for the unjust. 

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  

JN 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

The world hates Jesus.  When verses like this or John 3:16 speaks of the world it is not speaking of this planet.  For God so loved the world is speaking about the world of men.  God became man and went to the cross because He loves all men (the world).  This love is often met with hatred.  All over the world people are whipped, put in prison or even killed for repeating the words of Jesus. 

Why?  Verse 7 gives us one of the reasons.  "because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil."  Jesus tells people that they are sinners.  That the works they do are evil.  Jesus tells men that they are going to hell; that they need a Saviour.  Jesus says that I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Man likes to think highly of himself.  Man's pride likes to think that he can work his way to heaven.  Man likes to indulge in sin.  Man's sinful nature hates the light and loves the darkness.  The result of man's sin is an eternity in hell.  Man loves his sin and does not want to hear the truth. 

Out of love Jesus left the glories of heaven and came to earth to pay for our sin.  Jesus testifies of our evil ways out of love so that we might turn from our sin.  Jesus testifies so that we will realize that we are sinners and call upon Him to save us.  Out of love Jesus tells man the truth so that he might repent and be saved. 

Most people respond to His love with hatred.  What about you?

JN 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

JN 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

JN 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

JN 6:71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Jesus was God manifested in the flesh.  Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not.  Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray Him.  Jesus not only knew from the beginning of His public ministry, but Jesus knew from the very beginning.  Before the foundations of the earth were laid Jesus knew who would betray Him.  He is all knowing.  He knows the beginning from the end.  This is an attribute that belongs only to God.

Jesus knew how it would all happen.  He knew that Judas Iscariot would be the one who would betray Him.  Jesus chose him on purpose.  Not only is Jesus all knowing, but He has a plan and a purpose.  Each one of the 12 was chosen with a purpose.  They each had a place in God's great plan.  And yet each man still had a free will.  The Bible teaches both the free will of man and the sovereignty of God.  Both are true.  God has a plan and complete foreknowledge but man does not. 

Man is responsible for his choices and God knew from the beginning what man would choose. 

The truth that God is sovereign and man has a free will is a truth that is above our ability to completely comprehend.  But our inability to understand does not in any way negate the truth. 

JN 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

It should be obvious that Jesus is talking about the Old Testament here.  The New Testament had not been written yet so the only scriptures that they had was the Old Testament.  And Jesus says that the O.T. testified of Him. 

JN 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.

 JN 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Moses wrote the first 5 books of the Bible (Gen, Ex, Lev, Num, Deu).  And Jesus says that Moses wrote about Him.  All of the ceremonies, sacrifices, and feasts were pictures of Jesus.  The serpent on the pole that they had to look to and live, was all about Jesus.  The law that Moses wrote was showing man that he is a sinner and needs a Saviour.  The theme of the entire Bible is Jesus.   

JN 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.

JN 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

JN 4:6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

JN 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

The Bible says that Jesus must needs go through Samaria.  Jews would travel long distances to avoid going thru Samaria.  It was not a desirable location for them.  Many people would not understand why Jesus would go there.  But He must go.  He needed to go.  It was not a pleasure trip.  It was not to sightsee.  Everything that Jesus did had a specific purpose.  So why must he go there?  What need was there? 

He had to go to meet with the woman at the well and lead her to a saving knowledge of Himself.  He went to save her. 

In the Bible you find over and over again how Jesus went for the one.  He went out of His way for the one.  He preached to the individual.  He took time for the individual.  He dealt with people one on one.  Jesus is very concerned for the individual. 

Jesus is very concerned and interested in you as an individual.  He does not see you as just a member of the masses.  He is interested in you as an individual.  He want to have a personal relationship with you one on one. 

Man is too interested in the numbers.  God is interested in the individual.  God is interested in you.

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JN 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Some times the question comes up, what do I have to do to go to hell?  The answer is nothing.  he that believeth not is condemned already.  Everyone is born without belief.  Everyone then is born condemned.  Everyone is born with a sin nature and because sin separates from a Holy God we are all born  separated from God.

Some might argue that it is not fair.  They say I did not ask to be born or it is not my fault that I was born a sinner.  Well it is not the Polar bears fault that he is a polar bear.  It is not the cats fault that he is a cat.  All cats are born cats.  They can't change that fact.  And men are all born sinners, and that can't be changed.  That is just the way it is.  It does not matter if you like the facts or not.  Facts are facts.  They are dependant upon truth and not feelings.  And the truth is that he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

But praise God for the beginning of the verse.  He that believeth on him is not condemned:

Do you want to Not be condemned.  The solution is simple.  Believe on Jesus and be saved. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

It is true that you had nothing to do with being born a sinner.   But it is also true that you had nothing to do with providing the solution.  You don't have to work for it.  Salvation is a free gift. 

You had no choice in being born a sinner and thus condemned.  But you do have a choice in believing in Jesus and thus being NOT condemned. 

The fact is that if you stay condemned it is your own fault.

JN 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

This is early on in Jesus' ministry and the Jews ask Jesus for a sign.  Jesus had just drove  men out of the temple with a scourge of small cords.  They wanted a sign to show by what authority He did these things.  Jesus answers and tells them what the sign will be.   

JN 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

JN 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

JN 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.

The sign was to be that after they crucify Him that He will raise from the dead in 3 days.  Jesus said the same thing again near the end of His public ministry.  The cross was ever before Him.  It was not an after thought.  Jesus was predicting the crucifixion from the beginning of His ministry.  Long before any of His enemies thought of it.  In fact the crucifixion was planed before the foundation of the earth was laid. 

Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him and yet He came and took upon Him the form of man anyway.  He knew that the only way that sinful man could be saved is if the perfect Lamb of God would die as a substitute for sinners.  He knew how horrible the death would be.  He also knew that He would have to be made sin for us.  And yet He came anyway. 

Never doubt the love of God. 

JN 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The Word is another name for Jesus (Verse 14 & John 3:16)

JN 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

This is a clear statement that Jesus is eternal.  Jesus already existed and was with God the Father and God the Spirit from the beginning.  Mary had nothing to do with bringing Jesus into existence.  He pre-existed all things. 

JN 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Not only is Jesus eternal but He is all powerful.  Jesus was active in the creation week.  Jesus created the stars and the planets and the animals and everything else that was made.  All things were made by Jesus.  He spoke all things into existence. 

JN 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

Jesus came to the world that He created.  Over and over in this chapter it is declared that Jesus is God manifested in the flesh.

JN 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

JN 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

JN 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Once in verse 15 and in verse 30 John says that Jesus existed before him.  But John was born 6 months before Jesus.  John was the older cousin.  What John is declaring is that Jesus existed before him because Jesus is God and always existed. 

LK 24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

LK 24:8 And they remembered his words,

LK 24:9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

LK 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

LK 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

Many critics have tried to claim that the apostles had planed the whole thing and made it up.  This weak feeble excuse does not fit the facts. 

The fact is that the death of Christ was not expected by the apostles.  They thought that Jesus was going to bring in the kingdom.  When He died it crushed them.  They lost hope.  Later they quit and returned to the profession of being fishermen.  When news comes that Jesus had risen.  They thought it was as idle tales, and they did not believe it. 

In verse 45 Jesus had to open their understanding. 

LK 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

LK 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

The fact is that the apostles did not make it up.  They did not believe it until after they saw the resurrected Christ, and then they still did not understand what it was all about until Jesus opened their understanding. 

LK 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

These are the first words that Jesus spoke from the cross.  Some have called this the keynote address of Calvary.  It was as if to declare why He was there.  Father forgive.  He was acting as a mediator and calling on the Father to forgive them. 

And think about who He is asking forgiveness for.  The people who had just hammered the nails thru his flesh.  The people who had beaten Him.  The people who were mocking Him.  The people who ripped His clothes off and were gambling for them.  He did not pray for forgiveness after the pain had gone.  He was praying while the blood was still dripping from the wounds. 

Can anyone read this and honestly doubt the love of God? 

The prayer of Jesus was answered for many of those there got saved at Pentecost. 

But the prayer for forgiveness that Jesus spoke upon the cross was also for all the sinners of all the ages.  He was not just dieing for those that were present that day.  He was dying for you and for me.  Because of what Jesus did on the cross, forgiveness is available to all who will believe with their heart and call upon Him to save them. 

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

LK 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

LK 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

LK 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

LK 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

LK 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

The chief priests and scribes wanted to do something horrific.  They wanted to kill.  They dared not do it out in the open.  What they wanted to do would not stand up to examination.  They would not do it in the light of day.  Instead they did it under the cover of darkness.  They did it in secret.  They gave Judas blood money to find an opportunity to betray Jesus when He was not surrounded by the multitude.  Judas knew about the garden and how Jesus liked to pray alone.  He sold out for a few pieces of silver and entered into the dark plot.  The meeting between Judas and the priests was no doubt done in secret.  Behind closed doors.  The meeting was done where there would not be any one who might stand up and give an objection.  What they were doing could not survive the light. 

There is a principle here that we all can learn from.  Evil deeds seek darkness.  If what you are doing requires secrecy; if you know that there would be a scandal if it got out; if you are hiding what you are involved in; then you should not be involved in it.

Godly things can be done out in the open.  Righteous things can stand the light.  The Bible teaches that we are to be light in this world.  We are to shine a light in the darkness.  We are not to hide in the darkness. 

All of the dealings of a Christian should be out in the open and above board. 

LK 21:37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.

LK 21:38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

All the people came early in the morning to hear Jesus.  What a wonderful reason to gather together.  In fact I can think of no better reason. 

Not only did they come for the right reason and that was to hear Jesus teach the Word of God, but they had a sense of urgency about it.  They got up early.  They had some eagerness about it.

This is the way we should go to church.  We should go to hear from God thru the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.  We should be eager to go.  There should be some excitement and a desire to hear and to learn.  Our hearts should be prepared before we walk in the doors.   

If we go with the right attitude, we will get a lot more out of it. 

LK 20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

LK 20:2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

LK 20:3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

LK 20:4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

LK 20:5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

LK 20:6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

LK 20:7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

LK 20:8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

The chief priests and the scribes and the elders, asked Jesus a question about where did He get his authority.  The implication is clear, Jesus acted and taught with authority. 

They asked the question, but they really did not want the answer.  They did not want to learn.  It was not an honest question.  They were trying to catch Jesus with His words.  They were seeking something that they could use against Him. 

Notice that Jesus did not give them an answer (verse 8).  They were not seeking truth.  They were only after a fight.  Their kind are still around today.  They will try to get you into a debate or ask a question not really wanting the answer so they can learn.  They are only hoping to trip you up in some way.  They think they have some full proof argument that they just want to hammer you with.  When you get right down to the bottom line, the real problem is a heart problem. 

We can learn from Jesus' example how to deal with people who play this kind of game.  Instead of giving them an answer Jesus asked them a question that was designed to get them  thinking.  But He never answered their question.  He did not let them drag Him into a debate that would have been fruitless.  Don't give them an answer.  Don't play their game.  Spend your time and energy with those who want to learn.    

LK 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

LK 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

LK 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

LK 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Jesus knew all about this guilty city.  He knew all too well what they were about to do.  He knew how they were going to beat Him and mock Him and crucify Him.  He also knew how God had shown mercy to this city over and over again.  Jesus had also preached to them many times.  He tried to reach them.  They have had many opportunities to repent and accept Jesus.  But they refused.  Even with the love and power of God displayed before them, they still rejected Jesus.

Jesus then pronounces the destruction of the city.  This happened about 30 years later when Titus (a Roman general) destroyed the city. 

"The national wickedness is too great; the cup is full; mercy is exhausted; and Jerusalem, with all her pride and splendor, the glory of her temple, and the pomp of her service, must perish" - Albert Barnes.

The punishment to come is just to the crime.  However, Jesus took no pleasure in the knowledge.  He beheld the city and wept over it.  Even after all the wrong they have done and even full well knowing what they were about to do to Him.  He still wept over them.  He still loved them.  Even though they were terrible sinners, Jesus still loved them.  It is the same with us. 

Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.