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When You Are Feeling All Alone: Episode Notes For (John 14:8-21)

Introduction:

Imagine being one of the apostles, having lived, worked, and loved alongside Jesus for years. You would have formed incredibly close and intimate bonds. This was not a typical teacher-student relationship but more akin to a mentorship and partnership, filled with personal interaction and encouragement. The source of their united friendship, fellowship, security, and significance was about to depart. They likely felt deserted, alone, and abandoned.

Setting the Scene: John 14 records this pivotal event, and we've been examining it over several days. Today, we'll continue exploring this discourse in our latest episode of BPDP.

Overview: The disciples were reeling from Jesus' announcement of His imminent departure. During this upper room dialogue, Jesus began by washing their feet, then declared His departure, prompting a series of questions from the disciples—Peter, Thomas, Philip, and Judas (not Iscariot). Despite their questions, Jesus used this opportunity to teach them important spiritual truths. Today, we'll focus on Philip's question, which takes us from John 14:8 to John 14:21.

Philip's Question: Philip's question reveals his deep desire to see and know God more fully, (John 14:8). This question arises from a misunderstanding of Jesus' earlier statement in verse 7, where Jesus said, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."

Jesus' Response: Jesus' response to Philip is profound and addresses the disciples' fears about His departure.

Jesus emphasizes His unity with the Father. Seeing Jesus is equivalent to seeing the Father. His words and works are those of the Father. This reassurance must have been overwhelming for the disciples. Even though Jesus was leaving, they were not being abandoned. The Father remained with them because He is in Jesus, and Jesus is in the Father.

Jesus assures them that they will do even greater works through prayer. This doesn't necessarily mean performing more spectacular miracles but achieving greater scope through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Their works would no longer be limited geographically but would spread worldwide.

Jesus reassures them that although He is leaving, He will send another Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will be with them forever. This Comforter will counsel and empower them to continue Jesus' work. The Holy Spirit's presence ensures that they are not left as orphans.

Conclusion: Jesus' departure was not the end but a new beginning. Through prayer, obedience, and the Holy Spirit, the disciples would do even greater works. They would experience Jesus' ongoing presence and love. This passage reassures us that we are never truly alone. Jesus' presence, through the Holy Spirit, is with us always, guiding and empowering us to carry out His work.

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Study Notes: "Jesus Comforts His Followers" (John 13:31-14:8)

Introduction

• Key Events: Life events can open us up to spiritual truths. These moments are opportunities for spiritual growth. They allow us to learn and guide others.

Jesus’ Teaching in the Upper Room (John 13:31-14:8)

• Setting: After years of teaching, Jesus and His disciples face the crisis of His impending death. Jesus gathers them in the upper room to prepare them.

Key Points of Jesus' Teaching

• His Future Glorification (John 13:31-32)
  • Jesus announces His glorification: "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him."
  • Meaning: Jesus will be fully revealed as the Son of Man through His death and resurrection.
  • God’s Love: Jesus' crucifixion reveals God’s love for humanity (John 3:16).
• Jesus’ Departure (John 13:33)
  • Jesus tells His disciples He will leave soon and they cannot follow yet.
  • Temporary Separation: Unlike the unrepentant, the disciples’ separation from Jesus will be temporary. He promises to return and take them to be with Him.
• New Commandment (John 13:34-35)
  • Jesus commands: "Love one another as I have loved you."
  • Higher Standard: This love involves self-sacrifice, mirroring Jesus' love for humanity.
  • Recognition: The world will know Jesus' disciples by their love for one another.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial (John 13:36-38)

• Peter’s Question: "Lord, where are you going?"
• Jesus’ Response: Peter cannot follow now but will follow later. Jesus predicts Peter’s denial.

Jesus Comforts His Disciples (John 14:1-4)

• Comforting Words: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." Jesus is going to prepare a place for them and will return to take them with Him.

Thomas' Question (John 14:5-7)

• Thomas Asks: "Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus’ Profound Statement: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the way to the Father because He embodies the truth and the life.

Summary

• Love Commandment: Jesus emphasizes the command to love one another, a key indicator of true discipleship.
• Peter’s and Thomas’ Questions: While their questions seem off-topic, they lead to deeper revelations about Jesus being the way to the Father.
• Eternal Security: Despite predicting Peter’s denial, Jesus reassures him of His unwavering love and commitment.
• Focus on Love: By focusing on loving one another, many conflicts and trivial issues can be resolved.

Conclusion

• Love One Another: Following Jesus' command to love one another can transform our lives and communities, reflecting God's love to the world.
• Personal

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Study Notes: Betrayal and Denial - A Contrast of Extremes (John 13:21-30)

Introduction:

• Importance of teaching the Bible over political issues.

Scripture Reading: John 13:21-30

• Jesus predicts His betrayal by one of the disciples.
• The scene in the upper room before Jesus' crucifixion.
• The importance of understanding Jesus’ humanity and His foreknowledge.

Verse Analysis:

John 13:21-22:

• Jesus is troubled in spirit, announcing a betrayal among the disciples.
• The disciples are perplexed and unsure who the betrayer is.

John 13:23-25:

• The disciple whom Jesus loved (traditionally John) reclines next to Jesus.
• Simon Peter signals John to ask Jesus who the betrayer is.
• John asks Jesus directly.

John 13:26-27:

• Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer by giving him a piece of dipped bread.
• Satan enters Judas after he takes the bread.
• Jesus tells Judas to act quickly.

John 13:28-30:

• The disciples misunderstand Jesus’ words to Judas.
• Judas leaves immediately, and it is night, symbolizing spiritual darkness.

Contrasting Extremes:

1. John – The Beloved Disciple:

• Physical and Spiritual Proximity: John's physical closeness to Jesus signifies his spiritual intimacy with Him. John’s relationship with Jesus exemplifies a deep, reciprocal love and understanding. John also represents those who seek intimate knowledge and closeness with Jesus, striving to understand His ways deeply.

2. Judas – The Betrayer:

• Betrayal Act: Judas’s betrayal despite his closeness to Jesus highlights a stark contrast.
• Satan’s Influence: The progression of sin in Judas’s life—from a planted idea to the act of betrayal.
• Symbolic Darkness: John’s note that “it was night” signifies Judas’s spiritual darkness and separation from Jesus.

Application to Our Lives:

• Spiritual Extremes: Encourages reflection on whether we are closer to the example of John or Judas in our spiritual lives.
• Lukewarm Faith: Warns against being lukewarm in our faith, urging a fervent, passionate relationship with Jesus.
• Call to Repentance: Revelation 3:15-20 emphasizes the need for zeal and repentance from lukewarmness.

Conclusion:

• Challenge: To avoid lukewarmness and seek a radical, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus’ Humanity: His troubled spirit shows His shared human experiences.
• Betrayal Foretold: Foreknowledge of betrayal strengthens the disciples’ faith post-event. Striving for closeness with Jesus leads to deeper understanding and wisdom.
• Progression of Sin: Sin often starts as a thought and progresses to action, as seen in Judas's betrayal. Closeness to Jesus brings spiritual light; separation brings darkness.

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Study Notes on "The Ultimate in Love" (John 13:1-20)

Introduction

• Context: This passage marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, occurring just before His crucifixion.
• Theme: Jesus demonstrates the ultimate expression of love through humble service and forgiveness, setting an example for His disciples.

Verses 1-11: Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

• Setting and Preparation:
  • Occurs during the Passover Festival, a significant Jewish event.
  • Jesus is aware of His impending departure from the world and imminent betrayal by Judas (v. 1-2).
  • Despite this, Jesus’ love for His disciples is emphasized as enduring and complete (v. 1).
• Symbolic Act of Washing Feet:
  • Jesus, knowing His divine authority and origin, takes on the role of a servant (v. 3-5).
  • He washes the disciples’ feet, including Judas', demonstrating humility and unconditional love (v. 5-11).
• Lessons:
  • Humility and Service: Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in serving others, regardless of their status or actions.
  • Forgiveness: The act of washing feet symbolizes forgiveness and cleansing, essential for spiritual purity and unity.

Verses 12-17: Jesus’ Explanation and Application

• Jesus’ Teaching:
  • After washing their feet, Jesus explains the significance of His actions (v. 12-15).
  • He challenges the disciples to follow His example of humble service and unconditional love (v. 14-15).
  • Emphasizes that true discipleship involves serving others as He served them (v. 16-17).
• Blessing in Obedience:
  • Jesus promises blessings to those who live out His teachings of humility and service (v. 17).

Verses 18-20: Jesus’ Foreknowledge and Confirmation

• Prediction of Betrayal:
  • Jesus reveals His foreknowledge of Judas’ betrayal, yet still includes him in the act of foot washing (v. 18).
  • This underscores the depth of Jesus’ sacrificial love and His willingness to forgive even those who would betray Him.
• Identification with Jesus:
  • Jesus states that accepting His messengers is equivalent to accepting Him and the Father who sent Him (v. 20).
  • Reinforces the unity between Jesus and His disciples, stressing the importance of following His teachings.

Conclusion and Application

• Ultimate Expression of Love:
• Practical Implications:
• Personal Reflection:

In essence, John 13:1-20 portrays Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet as the ultimate demonstration of love—selfless, humble, and forgiving. It calls believers to embody this love in their lives, thereby reflecting the transformative power of Christ’s example.

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Study Notes on John 12:37-50: "Belief and Unbelief"

Key Events:

• Rejection of Jesus' Miracles (John 12:37-41):
  • Despite witnessing many miracles, many people did not believe in Jesus. This rejection fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, highlighting the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of the people.
• Fear of the Pharisees (John 12:42-43):
  • Some leaders believed in Jesus but did not confess their faith openly due to fear of being ostracized by the Pharisees. They valued human praise more than praise from God.
• Jesus’ Final Public Teaching (John 12:44-50):
  • Jesus emphasized that belief in Him is also belief in God the Father. He reiterated His purpose as bringing light into the world to save, not to judge.
  • Jesus indicated that His words will judge those who reject Him on the last day.

Key Themes:

• Contrast Between Belief and Unbelief:
  • The passage presents a stark contrast between those who believe in Jesus and those who reject Him despite clear evidence of His divine power.
• Fulfilment of Prophecy:
  • John references Isaiah to show that the unbelief of the people was foreseen by the prophets, indicating that this rejection was part of a larger divine plan.
• Spiritual Blindness and Hardening of Hearts:
  • The inability to believe is linked to a spiritual condition where people are blind and their hearts are hardened, preventing them from understanding and accepting the truth.
• Fear and the Praise of Men:
  • Some believers feared the consequences of openly following Jesus, showing the struggle between genuine faith and the desire for societal acceptance.
• Jesus as Light and Judge:
  • Jesus' role is to bring light and salvation to the world. However, rejection of His message results in self-condemnation, as His words will judge unbelievers.

Reflections for Personal Study:

• Self-Examination:
  • Reflect on whether you are walking in the light of belief or remaining in the darkness of unbelief. Consider the transformative power of faith and its demands for change and sacrifice.
• Courage in Faith:
  • Evaluate how fear of rejection or desire for human praise might influence your openness about your faith. Reflect on the importance of prioritizing God's approval over societal acceptance.
• The Role of Jesus’ Teachings:
  • Reflect on Jesus' teachings and their implications for salvation and judgment. Consider the responsibility of accepting His words and the consequences of rejecting them.

Conclusion:

• This passage challenges readers to confront their own beliefs and the potential obstacles to openly following Jesus. It underscores the importance of sincere faith and the consequences of rejecting the light that Jesus brings into the world. Consi

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Episode Notes: Jesus Predicts His Death (John 12:20-36)

Introduction

• Context: For 400 years, Israel had no prophet. Suddenly, John the Baptist appears, baptizing in the Jordan River, claiming the Messiah is here, but he is not the Messiah.
• Key Events: Jesus of Nazareth begins healing and teaching, drawing interest and controversy. His actions and claims of divinity provoke the religious leaders.
• Climax: The resurrection of Lazarus intensifies the leaders' rejection of Jesus, leading to plans for His death.

John 12:20-22 - The Request

• Passage: Some Greeks seek an audience with Jesus during a festival. They approach Philip, who consults Andrew, and together they inform Jesus. The interest of Gentiles (non-Jews) marks a pivotal moment, indicating the beginning of the inclusion of Gentiles in Jesus' ministry.

John 12:23-26 - Jesus' Reply

• Key Statement: "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified."
  • This marks the shift in Jesus' ministry from public teaching to the path leading to His crucifixion.
• Metaphor: Jesus uses the metaphor of a kernel of wheat, explaining that it must die to produce many seeds. This foreshadows His own death and the resulting salvation for many.
• Challenge to Followers: Jesus emphasizes the need for His followers to embrace self-sacrifice, stating that true life is found in giving up one's life for Him.

John 12:27-30 - Jesus’ Struggle and Submission

• Jesus' Humanity: He acknowledges His troubled soul but submits to God's will, recognizing His purpose to glorify the Father through His death. then God’s voice affirms Jesus’ mission, heard differently by the crowd (some hear thunder, others think an angel spoke).

John 12:31-33 - Judgment and Victory

• Judgment: Jesus’ death will bring judgment on the world and cast out Satan ("the prince of this world").
• Drawing All People: Jesus indicates that His crucifixion ("lifted up from the earth") will draw all people (Jews and Gentiles) to Himself.

John 12:34-36 - The People’s Response and Jesus' Final Plea

• Confusion: The crowd questions how the Messiah can die, based on their understanding of the eternal reign of the Messiah. Jesus urges them to believe in the light (Himself) while it is still available, to become children of light.

Key Themes and Reflections

• Rejection and Inclusion: Jewish rejection of Jesus opens the way for Gentiles to seek Him.
• Glorification Through Sacrifice: Jesus redefines glory as self-sacrifice leading to salvation for many.
• Call to Discipleship: Followers of Jesus are called to a life of selfless service and sacrifice.
• Victory Over Evil: Jesus' death signifies judgment on the world and victory over Satan.
• Urgency of Belief: Jesus emphasizes the necessity of believing in Him while there is still opportunity.

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Episode Notes: The Myth of Trauma - A Christian Perspective

Episode Title: The Myth of Trauma - A Christian Perspective in the Light of Reading Gabor Maté's "The Myth of Normal"

Main Themes:

• Maté's Thesis:
  • Gabor Maté's book argues that what society considers "normal" is actually maladaptive and rooted in a toxic cultural framework, leading to widespread trauma and stress. Maté critiques societal norms that perpetuate stress, disconnection, and trauma, proposing that many health issues stem from these factors.
• Biblical Perspective:
  • From a Christian viewpoint, normalcy is defined by God's purpose for humanity, as outlined in the Bible.
  • Romans 12:2 emphasizes transforming one's mind to discern God's will, rather than conforming to worldly standards.
  • Christianity offers a framework for understanding health and normalcy based on biblical principles and spiritual well-being.

Five Main Themes of Maté’s Book:

• Trauma and Its Impact:
• Cultural Toxicity:
• Mind-Body Connection:
• Healing and Recovery:
• Small t and Big T Trauma.

Christian Counter Perspectives:

• Human Dignity:
• Role of Forgiveness:
• Ultimate Hope and Redemption:
• Community and the Church:
• Worldview and Authority:

Conclusion:

While Maté's insights into trauma and societal norms offer valuable perspectives, a Christian viewpoint emphasizes spiritual health, the reality of sin, and the transformative power of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Maté’s advocacy for psychedelics and engaging with spirits for healing is critically examined and refuted based on biblical principles of sobriety, self-control, dependence on God, and the sanctity of the body (Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Closing Thoughts:

• Understanding trauma and societal issues from both secular and Christian perspectives can provide a comprehensive view of health and well-being. Embracing biblical principles offers a unique and holistic approach to healing, grounded in faith and community.

Scripture References:

• Romans 12:2
• John 16:33
• Psalm 147:3
• James 5:14-16
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
• Galatians 6:2
• Hebrews 10:24-25
• 1 Peter 4:8
• Isaiah 53:5
• Revelation 21:4
• Ephesians 5:18
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• Genesis 1:27
• Matthew 6:14-15
• Ephesians 4:32
• Colossians 2:8
• 
  
  
  
  

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Episode Notes:

In this episode, I answer a question I received on my YouTube channel this week "Was Plato a Christian and did he have any authority from God to override the Old Testament revelation of God?"

Key Points:

1. Historical Context:
   • Plato was a classical Greek philosopher who lived around 350 years before the birth of Christ. His teachings were firmly rooted in Greek philosophy, focusing on metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology. He lived and died long before the formation of the New Testament canon and the establishment of Christianity.
2. Christian Doctrine of Revelation:
   • In Christianity, divine revelation is believed to be delivered through the Scriptures—both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is considered the inspired word of God, revealing God's will, character, and plans for humanity. The New Testament, through the person and work of Jesus Christ, is seen as the fulfilment and continuation of this revelation.
3. Authority of Scripture:
   • Most Christians hold that the Bible, comprising both the Old and New Testaments, is the ultimate and complete revelation from God. Any authority to interpret or override biblical revelation is believed to come from God himself, not from human philosophers.
4. Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Revelation:
   • According to Hebrews 1:1-2, God's ultimate revelation to humanity is through Jesus Christ: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."
5. Plato's Influence and Limitations:
   • Plato may have influenced the intellectual environment that facilitated the spread of the gospel, especially through the Greek language and logical approaches. However, this influence does not equate to divine inspiration or authority. Plato's ideas, while sometimes seen as compatible with Christian thought, are part of secular philosophy rather than the divine narrative of the Bible.
6. Conclusion:
   • From an Evangelical and Christian Biblical perspective, Plato was a significant philosopher but not a Christian. He did not possess any divine authority to alter the revelation given in the Old Testament. The authority to reveal God's will is believed to rest solely with those who were divinely inspired to write the Scriptures—the prophets, apostles, and Christ himself.

Please reach out with any comments or further question and I will tray and answer through these occasional short bonus "Snapcast", episodes

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