Commentary on the Gospel of John; Chapters 11-15
by Dave Brown
o To:
John 1-5
John 6-10
John 16-21
[Comments are given in brackets.]
Chapter 11 is the event that sealed Jesus' physical fate on this earth. The religious leaders thought they had no choice -- either they had to follow Jesus (as a few of them did) or they had to kill him. They could no longer deny or rationalize away His miracles and His astounding teachings.
John 11
11:1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.
[John seems to assume that the readers know of this event. It is in Matthew 26:6, Luke 7:36-50, and John 12:3. This was a tremendous act of love and humility on her part.]
3 The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby.
[This is another one of those accommodative statements that cannot be taken literally. Jesus said it about a young lady who had died as well -- "she is not dead; she just sleeps" (Matthew 9:24). In fact, she was dead, but Jesus is saying it is "as though" she were asleep. In this case he is saying that while his sickness may bring about death, that death will not be the normally-permanent death.]
5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
6 When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was.
7 Then after this he saith to the disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
8 The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him.
[Tracking Jesus' comments to the spiritual application, if you are doing what is spiritually right, then you have no reason to fear those who would harm you. But it not, then fear is justified.]
11 These things spake he: and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12 The disciples therefore said unto him, Lord, if he is fallen asleep, he will recover.
13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep.
14 Then Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
16 Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said unto his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
[Thomas was quite a character ... at least he was honest and courageous, because he really believed this, and yet he was wiling to go. We will read more about him later in John.]
17 So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in the tomb four days already.
[This time, as will be further shown below, was allowed to elapse so that there would be no doubt that Lazarus was dead, and that his raising was unquestionably miraculous.]
18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off;
[This is a little short of two miles, about a 40-minute walk.]
19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother.
20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house.
21 Martha therefore said unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22 And even now I know that, whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee.
[This demonstrated great faith on the part of Martha. She knew Jesus could have healed Lazarus. It seemed she was hoping beyond hope that he could bring him back.]
23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
[This demonstrates that Martha had a good understanding of the final judgment. The Pharisees also taught this, but of course, they did not include Jesus' part in it. Martha might have been trying to see if Jesus was talking about now or in the judgment.]
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;
26 and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die. Believest thou this?
27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, (even) he that cometh into the world.
[This is very much like the confession that a convert is to make before baptism. It demonstrates to those present that the person is a fit subject for baptism. I expect Martha was already baptized (perhaps by John) at this time. The point here is that faith in Jesus Christ is essential to salvation. Jesus sees the value in keeping their conversation spiritually-oriented, and He resists jumping to subjects of a physical nature.]
28 And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Teacher is here, and calleth thee.
29 And she, when she heard it, arose quickly, and went unto him.
30 (Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha met him.)
31 The Jews then who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, supposing that she was going unto the tomb to weep there.
32 Mary therefore, when she came where Jesus was, and saw him, fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
[Mary did not have the faith that Martha had. But, when someone has been dead for four days the idea of their being raised up is not at all reasonable. She had given up on that. Note that Jesus does not discourage her from falling down and worshiping him. Only God is worthy of such worship; even worshiping an angel is condemned in Revelation 22:9. Jesus was not an angel or a mere man; He is Divine (Philippians 2), and allowing worship of Himself was further proof of His deity, as are many other passages in John that we have discussed. Jesus also did not discourage Martha from weeping.]
33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews (also) weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
34 and said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come and see.
35 Jesus wept.
[The shortest verse in the bible, and yet it carries SO much information about the humanity of Jesus. Surely Jesus knew what he was going to do -- that is obvious from the previous verses.. So why is he so sorrowful -- to the point of weeping? The answer is simpatico. (No word in English quite captures it.) Perhaps sympathetic is close, but not the same. Simpatico implies identity -- feeling exactly the same as someone you love. Jesus identified with them and with their grief -- see Verse 33 again. He recognized how terrible death could be for those without hope. There is no telling what else caused Jesus to weep. It is important that we recognize it as a legitimate human response to such a situation.]
[Jesus was 100% human ... he felt everything that we feel when we lose a friend or someone we love. He was not immune to this type of suffering -- we will see this again later as well. Jesus was 100% human and at the same time 100% God. All things are possible with God.]
36 The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him!
37 But some of them said, Could not this man, who opened the eyes of him that was blind, have caused that this man also should not die?
[Normal human reasoning -- not necessarioy either good or bad.]
38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
39 Jesus saith, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time the body decayeth; for he hath been (dead) four days.
[Possibly they could smell it even without taking the stone away -- I doubt it was perfectly sealed. This is additional further proof that Lazarus was dead.]
40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me.
43 And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
45 Many therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and beheld that which he did, believed on him.
[This had to be the reaction of all good and honest men and women.]
46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done.
[The "but" here infers that they were not as good or honest as the others who believed. Perhaps they wanted to stir up trouble. Remember that the Jews at this time were looking for a messiah that would free them from being under Roman rule, and perhaps lead them to a place of world domination. With Jesus' powers he could have easily done this. They were greatly dissatisfied with him because he did not. This ultimately was the root cause of his crucifixion.]
47 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs.
48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.
[Note that they admitted that Jesus did miracles ("signs" is one word used for miracles in the New Testament). But seeing a miracle was not good enough. The conclusion that they drew does not follow from the true premises. But we get a clue from this just what their problem was with Jesus. Had he been a strong military leader they would have followed him to their deaths. But they were not willing to follow someone who required them to live their lives in a holy way consistent with God's will.]
49 But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
50 nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
51 Now this he said not of himself: but, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation;
52 and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God that are scattered abroad.
[God was prophesying through Caiaphas despite his evil nature. Caiaphas meant one thing, but the words could be made to mean something else. Note the dual meaning ... Jesus was going to die to take away the sins of the whole world -- Jew and Gentile alike. But it was also His resurrection that caused salvation. Caiaphas was meaning that the assassination of Jesus would bring about a victory over Rome (something he was speculating on, possibly trying to motivate some of the others to kill Jesus). There is no reason to believe that his beliefs were the least bit valid. There is no evidence that the Jewish nation's relationship with Rome was in any way altered by Jesus' death.]
John 12
12:1 Jesus therefore six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead.
2 So they made him a supper there: and Martha served; but Lazarus was one of them that sat at meat with him.
3 Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith,
5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred shillings, and given to the poor?
6 Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein.
7 Jesus therefore said, Suffer her to keep it against the day of my burying.
8 For the poor ye have always with you; but me ye have not always.
[This "pound of ointment" was probably one of the most if not the most valuable thing that Mary owned. Jesus was often the one serving -- for example, we will see later where Jesus is the one who washes the disciples' feet. What he did here showed His love toward Mary who wanted to do whatever she could for the Lord. It is a beautiful and moving story and one that causes much introspection on all who understand it. What is the most valuable thing we have? Would we be willing to give it all to Jesus?]
9 The common people therefore of the Jews learned that he was there: and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
10 But the chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus also to death;
11 because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
[It was natural for them to want to see the person who was raised from the dead. The spectacle was not enough, though -- they should have wanted to not only believe but to accept Jesus' teachings. The fact that so many people apparently were following Jesus at this point really caused the religious leaders tremendous concern.]
12 On the morrow a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
13 took the branches of the palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried out, Hosanna: Blessed (is) he that cometh in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.
[The denominational world calls this day "Palm Sunday," although there is no biblical authority for that name, nor for any celebration of it.]
14 And Jesus, having found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
15 Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
[This was about a week before the events of the crucifixion and resurrection, which occurred on the first day of the week after the Passover celebration. So, many were also there for the Passover.]
17 The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness.
18 For this cause also the multitude went and met him, for that they heard that he had done this sign.
19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Behold how ye prevail nothing: lo, the world is gone after him.
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast:
21 these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: Andrew cometh, and Philip, and they tell Jesus.
23 And Jesus answereth them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
[Jesus knew of the fact that he would soon be crucified. It is ironic that he would call this a glorification; but again, it all depends on how we look at things. Surely he was referring to the resurrection. "Greeks" here are probably gentile converts (proselytes) to Judaism at this point. It is important to see that Jesus' response is both the the disciples and to the Greeks as well as to others who were listening in down through verse 36.]
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit.
25 He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.
[From verse 23, Jesus is still answering the Greeks who came to see Him. We are getting into a strong doctrinal part of John's gospel at this point -- over the next several chapters. All of this happened in a matter of a few days. Recognize that Jesus' "triumphal entry" into Jerusalem with all of the crowds glorifying Him (along with the raising of Lazarus) essentially sealed His fate with the Jewish leaders.]
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour.
28 Father, glorify thy name. There came therefore a voice out of heaven, (saying), I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
[A direct answer by God out of heaven. It is important that we see that Jesus had the same dread of the cross that would occur to anyone else. This voice might provide some temporary comfort.]
29 The multitude therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it had thundered: others said, An angel hath spoken to him.
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice hath not come for my sake, but for your sakes.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
[Now is not immediately, but rather the initiation of a process of his powers being taken away; he will have limited powers (of lying influence) right up to the final judgment when he will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).]
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.
33 But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
34 The multitude therefore answered him, We have heard out of the law that the Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
35 Jesus therefore said unto them, Yet a little while is the light among you. Walk while ye have the light, that darkness overtake you not: and he that walketh in the darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36 While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light. These things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them.
[Can you detect a strong skepticism on the part of those questioning him. The problem, even with his disciples, was that they were still thinking world power and domination. With this mindset, they were not able to understand Jesus. The idea of subjecting themselves to Jesus' teachings did not seem to be something that most of them would even consider.]
37 But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on him:
38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39 For this cause they could not believe, for that Isaiah said again,
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and he hardened their heart; Lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, And should turn, And I should heal them.
41 These things said Isaiah, because he saw his glory; and he spake of him.
[Isaiah had prophesied this (Isa. 53:1, 9; 52:10; 6:9-10) -- it says that God hardened their hearts, but the fault was not with God. God was not going to force them to believe -- this was up to them. Jesus calls ALL men -- some accept and others reject. Note that "they could not believe" -- those who refuse to see the word of God as a way of life will never understand it because they cannot. It is like the law of gravity -- it cannot be broken.]
42 Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess (it), lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 for they loved the glory (that is) of men more than the glory (that is) of God.
[Well, there you have it. Is this not the problem that people have today? Following Jesus is not without its worldly problems. If we value the approval of others more than the approval of God, then we will not have the will to be obedient.]
44 And Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
45 And he that beholdeth me beholdeth him that sent me.
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness.
[Verse 44 is another Not ... But statement. The Not part is not to be taken literally, but should be recognized as inserted for the purpose of contrast. Jesus was far more concerned with glorifying the Father that getting any recognition for Himself.]
[Many will stop right here wishing that salvation was just a mental process (faith-only) As we continue reading the next verses we see that belief in Jesus entails receiving (keeping) Jesus’ sayings through a deep heart-felt dedication to serving Him.]
47 And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.
[He WILL be judged by the word of Jesus.]
49 For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak.
[What can be more important than salvation and eternal life?]
John 13
13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto his Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2 And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's (son), to betray him,
3 (Jesus), knowing that the Father had given all the things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God,
4 riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself.
[This is where Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. This is very intriguing as to why John says that Jesus did this "knowing that the Father had given all the things into his hands" etc. Indeed, the humility that Jesus displayed in washing the disciples' feet would be viewed as weakness by many. Clearly John is teaching here that it is in fact, motivated by Jesus' knowledge of his strength.]
5 Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 So he cometh to Simon Peter. He saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt understand hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
[We might divert a bit here and talk about Peter. He seems to be the impetuous one -- the extrovert -- the one who is not afraid to take the lead. His immediate thoughts are certainly noble. "I should be washing your feet." But as Jesus indicates, you do not know what this means -- you will understand it in retrospect, and you will conform to it by serving your fellow Christians and your fellow man."
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is bathed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew him that should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
[This is an example that Jesus gave us. The example represents all ways in which we can serve each other -- not just foot washing. Some have viewed this as a ritual. When you make something like this into a ritual it defeats the whole lesson that Jesus was trying to get across to them. We are to serve each other in ALL ways, not just in foot washing. In fact, foot washing is not necessary when people's feet are clean, and Jesus was talking about needful service, not just following some ritual.]
12 So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them.
[This is a figure of speech that is used extensively throughout the new testament -- metonomy. The use of one thing to represent another. In this case, the example of foot washing is not limited to just washing one's feet ... in fact, if their feet do not need to be washed, it does not even include that. It does include all ways that we can be of service to one another. Jesus chose this example of service because the disciples needed it and it was an excellent display of humility on His part. This was a great lesson for the disciples who had it in their minds that they would be among those who would be served in the Kingdom. Jesus said that he that is greatest among you will be your servant. We all know people who are the greatest, and yet they are not recognized so by society. There was such an older woman in the local church where I was a member. She was not attractive in a physical sense, but inwardly she was spiritually beautiful. Whenever anyone was in need she would always be there doing whatever she could. She was always ready to serve. She inspired many others to follow her example, as she was following the example of Jesus. We miss her dearly.]
18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled: He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me.
[This is a prophecy that we will revisit in the next few verses.]
19 From henceforth I tell you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am (He).
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in the spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
[It must have given Jesus great pain to know that he was going to lose one of his disciples in this way. From this we see how much Jesus loved Judas. This is not just an aspect of Jesus the man, since we know that God can be grieved, and even the Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30).
22 The disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23 There was at the table reclining in Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
[It is generally thought that the "disciple whom Jesus loved" is referring to the author, John. Since all of the other apostles are referred to by name, we know it is John by a process of elimination.]
24 Simon Peter therefore beckoneth to him, and saith unto him, Tell (us) who it is of whom he speaketh.
[Again, Peter is the impetuous one -- taking the lead, often the spokesman for the group. Just as often getting himself into trouble. He is a very interesting character.]
25 He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
26 Jesus therefore answereth, He it is, for whom I shall dip the sop, and give it him. So when he had dipped the sop, he taketh and giveth it to Judas, (the son) of Simon Iscariot.
[Here we have Jesus serving Judas – this is another act of love toward him. Jesus gave him every opportunity and incentive to repent and be restored. True, he had already given himself up to Satan (John 13:2), but apparently this was still something he could repent of. In the next verse his sin condemns him in that he allows Satan to dominate his heart. Why does Jesus urge him to do it quickly? There could be a number of reasons: (1) So Judas would know that Jesus was totally aware of his plans, (2) To get Judas to make up his mind one way or the other – one further chance to repent? and/or (3) To minimize that chance that others would become involved in Judas’ sordid scheme. We do not know for sure since the reason is not something that is given to us in the Bible.]
27 And after the sop, then entered Satan into him. Jesus therefore saith unto him, What thou doest, do quickly.
28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
29 For some thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus said unto him, Buy what things we have need of for the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
30 He then having received the sop went out straightway: and it was night.
[It is difficult for us to understand how someone who was right next to Jesus and even entrusted with their treasury (albeit meager), would betray him. On the other hand, when someone knows the truth and goes against it, his sin is much like that of Judas. My feeling is that Judas was one who followed Jesus in order to be one of the major players in a physical kingdom. When he learned that Jesus was not going to be that kind of king, then he decided to at least make some money off the venture. Perhaps he reasoned as many do today: "If I don't do this, someone else will -- after all, they will find Jesus sooner or later. So, why not make a little silver off the deal?" We hear this type of reasoning all the time rationalizing sin. Not only that, but an objective look at the career religionists tells us that false religion is today close to the number-one easiest way to become a millionaire, especially for charismatic speakers. It is virtually impossible for those who speak only the truth -- they follow Jesus by taking up their crosses (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).]
31 When therefore he was gone out, Jesus saith, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him;
32 and God shall glorify Him in himself, and straightway shall He glorify Him.
33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say unto you.
[Jesus was speaking of after His ascension into heaven (Acts 1). They would come there later, but not in this life. This was perplexing to them, since they still had this idea that Jesus would establish a physical kingdom.]
34 A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
[The new part of it is not the love part -- indeed, this was commanded in the Old Testament (e.g., Leviticus 19:18). The "new" part was the degree to which they should love one another -- "even as I have loved you." This is almost an impossible goal for us to attain, but it is one that we should strive for. Its accomplishment is in the striving for it, not in totally attaining it, since that will never happen.]
36 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.
37 Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.
[Peter did not know what he was saying. It was totally emotionally-driven, and he sincerely believed that it was true. But what he was claiming was (at this time) just not true. It would become true at me point, but it was not true now. Jesus method of informing him of his error was quite amazing, and a lesson within itself.]
38 Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
[Peter was thinking physically. Verse 36 is one of many questions that Jesus was asked that he did not answer directly. Perhaps the disciples could not fathom what Jesus was talking about at this point, but they would understand after certain other events occurred, e.g., the crucifixion and resurrection, and especially their reception of Holy Spirit baptism, which was a direct promise to the apostles given as part of Acts 1, and the fulfilled shortly thereafter in Acts 2. This is a promise to us as well, not in any miraculous sense, but in the deeper and more important essence of our reaping the benefits from what the Holy Spirit would reveal to the apostles and first century prophets.]
John 14
14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.
[The previous chapter indicates that the context here is exclusively Jesus and His disciples minus Judas. Greek for both cases of "ye believe" is pisteu/ete which means literally “you believe.” Many (if not most) translators seem to think they can improve on this literal translation by making the second of the belief compound statements different from the first. Clearly, the first of the compound statement is a statement of fact, which it would be for not only the disciples but for the vast majority of Jews. However, they hedge on the second clause turning it into what seems to be a command of Jesus: “Believe also in me,” … i.e., just as you do the Father. However, such a command is not warranted since the disciples that remained after Judas left in fact did believe in Jesus. Perhaps it was not the depth of belief they should have at this point, but they did believe. The command is given in the first clause: “Let not your heart be troubled.” The belief statements effectively tell them the reason that in their present state of faith they should have no reason to be troubled. Leaving (“you” or ye) out of both of the compound faith statements might be a solution, but it is not faithful to the original Greek word given above that appears in both of these clauses.]
2 In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, (there) ye may be also.
[The literal Greek for mansions is: a staying (i.e., place to stay). residences, abodes, mansions. To substitute an inferior word (such as rooms) degrades Jesus’ words by assuming something more of a hotel than a house. Why be inconsistent with the traditional wording? Why assume something less than what the word mansions conveys? Why would we think that the place that Jesus is going to prepare for us is anything short of spectacular?]
4 And whither I go, ye know the way.
["Ye know the way" -- this is like many prophecies in the Old Testament that are given in the present tense -- in other words, God has willed it and so it is a present reality, even though from what we read below, it was not literally true at this point. Perhaps "you will know the way" is the literal meaning. They knew it in an abstract sense since Jesus had probably told them what he is about to tell them again in verse 6.]
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye would have known my Father also: from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
[Verse 6 is often quoted. It is quite definitive in that we need to understand and accept what Jesus has done for us in giving his life for our salvation. There is no other way. Obviously, they were seeking physical directions to where Jesus was going. But He was not going to a physical place – He was going to a spiritual realm. He is trying to get them to accept conceptualizing something that they have never seen. We can understand why they were having problems. Even today, many preachers and teachers emphasize the worldly aspects of serving Jesus. These worldly things are totally misleading. They need to realize then, as we do now, that what Jesus offers is not the riches of this world, it is the priceless gift of eternal life with him and His Father eternally in the heavenly realms.]
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou, Show us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
[Surely Philip wanted to "see God" physically. Jesus response was that all of the righteous and good characteristics of the Father were exhibited in Himself (Jesus) and in His works. There was nothing else to see. From this we can further understand what Jesus meant when He said: "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). We think physically; but to be one is a spiritual sense is far different than being identical. They were in total agreement and thus "in each other." This can help us understand what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit and full of Jesus (see Romans 8). “The very works’ sake” are the works that Jesus did (including His miracles) in proving that He had come from God the Father, who had sent Him. Jesus is saying – “If you cannot see by the power of the truth that I teach that I am from the Father, at least allow the miracles I have performed to convince you. We see this in the next verse.]
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater (works) than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.
[Are the works here limited to the miracles? Some people believe that the miracles are the ultimate of what Jesus was promising here. We have to realize the limitation of miracles -- they were to reveal the truth and to prove the truth that was revealed -- in both cases, the essence of the works was truth. Those who claim and tout their own ability to perform miracles today fail to teach that the power is not in the miracle, it is in the truth. For them often the alleged miracle is an end in itself. Working the works of God is preaching and living the truth. Miracles have ceased (1 Corinthians 13), but even if God were to enable them (or us) the assistance of miracles, that is not what Jesus was promising here -- He was promising GREATER works than He had done by miracles. These greater works could not be accomplished as long as He was still with them. Give that some thought and meditation ... think of the distraction that Jesus' physical presence would be today if He were here among us. We will discuss this more in subsequent chapters. Jesus is stating that since he is going to the Father, those who believe in Him will be entrusted to do these greater works. This is a very serious commitment that believers have today.]
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask anything in my name, that will I do.
[Do you recall the third grade story about a man who was offered three wishes. Of course, he squandered them and no good came of it. But way back then I wondered, why would he not ask for a thousand more wishes for his very first wish? Think about it -- this promise has to have some limitations -- "whatsoever" cannot be unqualified or we could ask to be God and it would be granted. The limitation is "in my name" which means "by my authority." Jesus does not give us the authority to ask for selfish personal things. He is speaking here in conjunction with doing the works that he has authorized us to do. For example, we can "move mountains" in controlling our own sinful lives -- something that would be impossible with our own strength alone. This part and interpretation can and should be taken literally. Do you have a problem in your life that prevents you from being like Jesus? This is exactly what Jesus was referring to when He said “If you ask anything in my name, that will I do.” Put your faith in Jesus to solve your problem, but do your part. When it is accomplished you will thank Jesus both for His part and for your part. And your faith will increase tremendously because you will have seen the power of Jesus and His promises in reality.]
15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.
[Many people today claim to love God and Jesus, but they do not even know his commandments.
The love of God is a condition of salvation. 1 Corinthians 16:22: “If any man loves not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha.” If you say you love Jesus but do not even know what He has commanded, your words are obviously lies. Of course, knowing His truth is not sufficient, we must also abide in His words.]
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever,
17 (even) the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.
[This Comforter was/is the Holy Spirit. Notice that He is considered to be a gift from God. The Holy Spirit is here assigned the same status as Jesus Christ -- another Comforter. This comforter is not some inanimate "active force" -- Jesus refers to as "Him" -- giving Him the status of Godhood (Divinity). Further, if this Holy Spirit is in us, then we become one with the Holy Spirit and essentially one with Jesus Christ and God the Father, for they are all One. What a tremendous gift! With this we can understand what Jesus meant when He sais "I and the Father are One," as in Verse 11 above.]
18 I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more; but ye behold me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 In that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
[This cannot be separated from being motivated by the love of Jesus to keep God's commands ...]
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.
22 Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my words: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me.
[So having the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in us are identical. Some have tried to make the Holy Spirit more of a mystical thing -- for more depth on this read Roman 8 in this regard. Further, being one with them implies necessarily that we keep God's commands, and keeping God's commands necessarily implies that we must love Jesus. It all works together and unless it does, it does not work at all. We might keep a command, but if we do not do it out of our love for God then it is a self-serving thing, and it is not being one in the same sense that Jesus and God the Father were one. Doing what we do, not our of our love for God, but to manipulate Him, is one definition of idolatry. We must give ourselves to loving Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit, and our actions should be motivated by this love.]
25 These things have I spoken unto you, while (yet) abiding with you.
26 But the Comforter, (even) the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.
[This is a key verse telling us that the apostles had all things needed for salvation; not at this point, but they would be provided with this after Jesus left them. There were two ways -- (1) the Holy Spirit would help them remember what Jesus taught, and (2) they could obtain additional guidance directly from the Holy Spirit. These things were written down in the Bible, which provides everything we need for salvation today (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Father sent the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name (by His authority). It was Jesus who determined what the Holy Spirit would say.]
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
[There is no reason that a follower of Jesus should be fearful of anything, except his falling away from grace by his own sinful behavior -- this is something worthy of our fear.]
28 Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father: for the Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe.
30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me;
31 but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
[This was the last night that he would spend with them. While it might be considered a sad occasion, Jesus is encouraging them to rejoice. Things are never as them seem. Jesus will have more to say to them before he is taken away. And the Holy Spirit will take up where Jesus leaves off. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so we can be assured that there are no differences in their teachings.]
John 15
15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every (branch) that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.
[Each figure describing Jesus had a separate purpose to illustrate something different about Jesus, e.g., in Chapter 10 Jesus was rferred to as the Good Shepherd and the door to the sheepfold. This one is to emphasize the necessity for us to be growing in Him as part of the “true vine.” There are many false vines that have people growing in them who they influence with their lies. God the Father (Jesus’ true Father in every good sense) is here figuratively described as the husbandman, indicating that Jesus was in subjection to Him while on this earth. Verse 2 indicates how those who are in Christ will be dealt with if they are faithful and if they are not. If they do not bear fruit they will be pruned out of the vine. If they are faithful, they will be cleansed to bear more fruit.]
3 Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me.
[In the preceding verse Jesus talked about cleansing those that bear fruit. Now He is giving them assurance that since they were bearing fruit in Him, they had already been cleansed by this process. But His further exhortation is to continue to abide in Him, They will not be able to continue bearing fruit it they do not. Reference: Jesus sending them out in Matthew 10.]
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
[This is a repitition of verse 2 for emphasis. These verses show the need for continued obedience to Jesus. They show definitively that those who have been saved can now be lost. This is 100% contrary to the once-saved-always-saved doctrine that will be the destruction of many in hell. The word abide has a continuous requirement – it is not something you can accomplish just once and then forget. Being cast into the fire and burned is a figure of eternal destruction in hell.]
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
[This, of course, is not talking about physical, worldly things, although they are sometimes included in those spiritual things necessary for bringing forth the fruit. But for the most part, Jesus is talking about those persistent things in our lives that prevent us from abiding in Him. We are not going to overcome these without His intervention. I am tempted to say His help, but I think it better for us to think we are helping Jesus to cleanse out lives rather than we are taking the lead and He is helping us.]
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and (so) shall ye be my disciples.
9 Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
[To "abide in Christ" is to keep his commandments. We cannot say that we love Christ and then refuse to do his commandments. This makes our obedience to Jesus a matter of following after Him. He knows what it means to give yourself up totally to someone else’s will because this is what He did with His father.]
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and (that) your joy may be made full.
[Why is the keeping of Jesus’ commandments the road to joy in our lives? It is because as His creation the only way to fit into this life spiritually is to conform ourselves to Him. When we do this we can have that “peace of God that passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). This verse (Phil. 4:7) also teaches us that this peace is an active entity in that it “guards our hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus.” What a tremendous blessing this is – why would anyone not want it?]
12 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.
[Love was commanded under the old law, but the love that Jesus showed makes this command new: "even as I have loved you." Essentially this means that we should be willing to go the the cross for them just as Jesus did for us because He loved us. When we complain against the longsuffering that must accompany this love (1 Corinthians 13:4), we fall short of Jesus’ love for us.]
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
[… as Jesus laid down His life for us.]
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.
15 No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father, I have made known unto you.
[We see that the difference between a friend and a servant is that the friend knows the reasoning behind what Jesus is doing (or for us, what He has done). This promise is to us in the sense that we have the words of Jesus today. We should know and understand what is commanded of us. We should never be “in the dark” about it. This is a tremendous blessing.]
16 Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and (that) your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
[The disciples were especially blessed in that Jesus called them directly in a physical way. Are we not similarly blessed? Consider John 6:44-45: “44 No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.” The only difference is that we are drawn by the written word as opposed to the literal physical words of Jesus Himself.]
17 These things I command you, that ye may love one another.
18 If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before (it hated) you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
[These are important warning words of Jesus. He now contrasts the love they should have for one another with the hatred that they will have to endure from the world. He has told them of the blessings of being His friend, now he wants them to know that life is not going to be easy for them, and it will not be easy for us. We must persist in our love for Him as well as our love for one another. There may come a time when that is all that we have.]
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.
21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
[Jesus identifies not just closely, but synonymously with God the Father (John 10:30 “I and the Father are one” ). Many today who claim to be servants of Jesus are “way out ahead of Him” in using the blessing of Jesus to further their own status and wealth in this world. Of course, they are not servants of God but they refuse to believe this, as do their followers.]
22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no excuse for their sin.
23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
24 If I had not done among them the works which none other did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
[This is an interesting passage, but we must realize that Jesus is not trying to make excuses for anyone. In fact, he did come and he taught the truth and proved that what He spoke was the truth with miracles. There is no excuse for anyone not knowing this toeay.]
25 But (this cometh to pass), that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
[The reference here is to Psalms 35:19: "Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause." It is interesting to see that Jesus regarded the book of Psalms as being part of their law, most commonly known as the Law of Moses. There is absolutely no cause for the hatred that many show toward Jesus and His disciples today. This reference to the Old Testament passage shows that the story of Jesus was known to God and spoken by the prophets in ancient times.]
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, (even) the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
27 and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
[The apostles are the only true eye witnesses – and they are generally called witnesses through the book of Acts. We never saw Jesus, so we cannot be witnesses in that sense. However, when we do nothing other than to preach and teach the word of God, then the apostles' witness is forwarded through us, and in that regard, we are doing our part in furthering their witness.]
Go to John 16-21