Jesus Testifies to the Truth

April 1, 2012


Background Scripture: John 18, 19
Lesson Passage: John 18:28 – 38

What is truth? Was Pilate’s question rhetorical or was he honestly seeking the answer? His actions following his question would suggest that perhaps he was just being sarcastic in response to Jesus’ statement. We don’t always want to know the truth—especially about spiritual matters. But yet there are times when our restless hearts do yearn for the fulfilling presence of the truth. At other times, our actions betray us much like Pilate’s betrayed him in showing that he was not seeking answers. Pilate was seeking political expediency. Pilate was interested in maintaining his status as the local governing figure representing the Roman Empire and its emperor. This would continue as long as he maintained peace in the region and ensured that taxes were collected and forwarded to the appropriate authorities. His questioning of Jesus showed that he was indeed a shrewd and perceptive person. When he requested the formal charges that the Jews were bringing against Jesus, the Jewish leaders answered him roughly. They were not interested in a fair trial; they were interested in Jesus being executed at the hands of the Gentile government. Pilate understood his role and therefore continued to push for justice to be done. He played along with the Jews and then attempted to use an escape clause that would ensure justice and that he would also come out looking like a hero to both sides. He therefore pronounced judgment on Jesus that he was not guilty and then invoked the local law that allowed him to release a political prisoner back into the local population. The Jews recognized his maneuver and quickly regained their footing by accepting the local law but rather than choose Jesus to release, they recommended the release of a rioter by the name of Barabbas. Barabbas was in prison awaiting execution for being the leader of an insurrection that led to the death of some of the Roman citizens. The Jewish leaders turned Pilate’s political scheme around on him. The politician had talked himself into a corner and now he had to deliver. As judge in this matter, Pilate had to make a decision concerning Jesus. He was searching for answers to his dilemma rather than ensuring that Jesus received a fair trial. If Pilate was fair most of the time then that should count for something, right? If he declared Jesus to be not guilty and punished him anyway that would certainly show that his heart was in the right place; wouldn’t it? After all, God knows our hearts—isn’t that right? Pilate’s attempt to pass the buck by sending Jesus to the territorial leader, Herod, had backfired on him as well. And now it was all on Pilate. If justice were to be served, Pilate would have to recognize the truth and act on it. Pilate got it half right. He saw that Jesus was innocent and that the Jews had brought him there out of jealousy but his political ambitions stood between him and justice. Not only did Pilate ascertain the truth but he was in fact talking to the “Truth”. Jesus was mute on most matters that were raised during the six unjust trials that he was forced to experience. But when it came down to discussing the truth, Jesus did indeed testify and his testimony was the truth.

Robert C. Hudson
March 24, 2012

Nicodemus Learns of New Birth

March 25, 2012


Background Scripture: John 3:1 – 25; Numbers 21:4 – 9
Lesson Passage: John 3:11 – 21

The narrative of today’s lesson provides the context for one of the most translated statements throughout the world’s many languages. Of course I speak of John 3:16. Sadly, many know this statement and can quote it accurately but they are not familiar with the narrative. It is the narrative that gives the statement substance. This lesson is a reminder that what is done in darkness will be brought to the light—both good and bad. Throughout his ministry Jesus faced constant harassment and threats from the Jewish religious leaders. His opposition did not come from the leaders of the local government but from religious leaders. So our background scripture details a very unlikely nighttime meeting. One of the Jewish religious leaders sought Jesus out at night with some basic theological questions. He also made it known that the religious leaders were aware that Jesus was sent by God because of the miracles that he was doing. Rather than wait for Nicodemus to stumble through all of the questions, Jesus began to lecture Nicodemus on the requirements for eternal life. The words Jesus used were confusing to Nicodemus. Jesus spoke of a new birth which left Nicodemus even more confused. To this, Jesus asked how could Nicodemus consider himself a teacher of God’s people and not know the fundamentals. Jesus sternly rebuked Nicodemus for the position the religious leaders had taken in opposition to him without even knowing the very truths that he espoused. Jesus then related his coming into the world as being foreshadowed by Moses’ wilderness experience. God’s remedy supplied to Moses to cure the plague of snakes in the wilderness was no different than God’s remedy to the world to cure the plague of sin. As Moses’ brass snake on a tree was the cure in the wilderness, Jesus was to become sin on a tree as the cure for the world. As in the wilderness, so too is it in the world that God’s actions were motivated by His divine love for mankind. Everything Jesus was on earth to do was motivated by God’s love for mankind. Although the Jewish religious leaders were constantly opposing him and his teaching, Jesus’ entire purpose was a fulfillment of God’s love. Jesus was God’s cure for what ailed man. Not only did they not recognize or accept him, they did not want any of the Jews to receive him either. In spite of the miracles, they insisted that Jesus was destroying the people of God through his doctrine. No amount of reasoning would change their minds or their hearts. Yet, Jesus was the answer they needed and were so desperately seeking. Their only hope was the same as it is for everyone. The new birth is required for one to be saved from his sin. This can only take place through Jesus. The miracles they accepted as being from God but they were rejecting the miracle worker who God had sent. We know from two other incidents involving Nicodemus in the Gospel accounts that he did heed Jesus’ instructions to him that night. Apparently, Nicodemus did not forget that night what he learned about the new birth.


Robert C. Hudson
March 14, 2012

Water Turned to Wine

March 18, 2012


Background Scripture: John 2:1 – 12
Lesson Passage: John 2:1 – 12

Of all of the signs and wonders that Jesus did during his three and a half year ministry, it seems odd to me that the very first would be turning water into wine. I say it seems odd because the incident that led to this miracle was not a matter of life and death nor is there any record that people glorified God because of it. Rather, it seemed to only be for the benefit of a group celebrating a wedding between two people who to this day remain anonymous. I struggle with coming to grip with the nature of this first miracle. It does not appear to have been done to further elevate marriage as a God-given institution to man. It was done in response to the request of Jesus’ mother. As a matter of record, John records that Jesus’ initial response to his mother was that it was not yet his time. In fact, it appears that most of the wedding guests remained unaware that a miracle had taken place. However, for those who were aware of what had happened (his disciples according to John), this miracle made a bold statement as to who was this Jesus of Nazareth. Of course, his mother Mary knew before he was conceived in her womb who he was, where he had come from, and what he was destined to do. All of this was revealed to her by the angel Gabriel. For others, however, his identity would have to be manifest in their midst through his teaching, through signs, and through wonders. This first miracle got the attention of his disciples.

I believe that everything Jesus did was somehow for the purpose of teaching. What is it we are to learn from this miracle in Cana? Perhaps the first lesson is that Jesus has complete control over the physical world. The process of making wine requires the juice of a fruit such as grapes. The wine could be fermented or unfermented. If fermented, that process takes time for a leavening agent to break down the sugars in the fruit juice. What Jesus did involved 120 to 180 gallons and it was done quickly. A second lesson can be gleaned from the actions of the servants. Although Jesus was not the governor (person in charge) of the feast, they readily obeyed his instructions to fill the pots with water and to take a sample to the governor. A third lesson can be learned from the actions of Mary, Jesus’ mother. Although Jesus said that his time had not come, Mary still made her request known to him and gave instructions to the servants indicating that she expected to have her request honored. Note that her request was on behalf of others and not for herself: “They have no wine.”

This miracle was the first of approximately thirty five that are recorded in the four accounts of the gospel. John informs us in his account that what is recorded is a small number compared to what Jesus actually did during his ministry. Only John’s account records this particular miracle. John is explicit in stating why he chose to write what he did. His record is aimed at convincing his readers that Jesus is indeed the anointed Son of God and through believing this and confessing him as their Savior, they would receive eternal life through his name.

Robert C. Hudson
March 7, 2012

The Word Became Flesh

March 11, 2012


Background Scripture: John 1:1 – 18
Lesson Passage: John 1:1 – 14

I believe that the Gospel according to John contains some of the most profound statements in the bible. Much of the text in our lesson is very poetic in its construct. I say those things to say that it can seem a daunting task to get beyond the poetry and the awe-inspiring use of the language to glean the message contained in the script. Our lesson title suggests the main focus of the lesson passage. That which was pure spirit took on flesh and provided mankind with a glimpse at the personality of God. Flesh, even in its sinless state, cannot fully express the essence of spirit which is eternal. However, when flesh is put under subjection of the Spirit, then the actions of the flesh will exhibit characteristics of the Spirit. We are able to deduce the nature of the Spirit by observing flesh that is completely surrendered to it. How can God who is Spirit manifest Himself to mankind who is mostly preoccupied with things of the flesh? We have a fairly reasonable understanding of the nature of the flesh. We recognize actions that are driven primarily by the desires of the flesh. In fact, before we have been regenerated, all of our actions and indeed what we come to know as growing up are dictated by the desires of the flesh. After we have been regenerated, we discover even more about ourselves as it relates to our carnal (flesh) person. God’s Spirit in us wars against our flesh because the flesh is an enemy of God. This inner war helps us to comprehend the deep division that once separated us from God. Our consciences were once so seared that we were unaware of our rebellion against God’s holiness. We knew little about ourselves and nothing about God. This all changed because of the incarnation of God’s Spirit. When the Spirit of God took on flesh, we could begin to see characteristics of God that we were not previously aware of. Jesus plainly demonstrated to the world what could not be fully grasped before. Jesus was God’s nature on display. Much of the Old Testament scriptures were made clear to us through and by Jesus. Through his examples we were allowed to see that which had been hidden in God from eternity past. By his teaching we could receive a measure of faith so that we would know to call on the Lord for forgiveness and salvation. What was once only vaguely comprehended by mankind was made clear through Jesus. Everything to be known about God is embodied in His word. Jesus said it best when he said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The word of God mysteriously drew us to Christ. However, our understanding of spiritual matters was still extremely limited. We more readily receive physical information learned by observation and examples. God would not allow us to remain handicapped in our ability to receive faith so that the gap between Him and us could be closed. If mankind needed flesh to be the example of God’s likeness and to suffer a sinful death to rescue man’s soul, then so be it. God provided us everything we needed. The Word became flesh.

Robert C. Hudson
March 5, 2012