SoiKosum

(John 20:19-20) What do we know about the relationship of Jesus’ physical body to his spiritual body? Was Jesus’ resurrected bodily? How is his resurrected body similar to his physical body? How is it different? Yes, Jesus was resurrected bodily. Jesus' resurrection body is clearly one that has continuity with the old, but includes new powers and abilities: Has definite physical aspects flesh, bones, the ability to eat food, converse intelligently, and walk for miles on a road. Has continuity with the previous body before death. Jesus' wounds in his hands, feet, and side are still clearly visible, and probably still open rather than healed over. The Gospel writers are making utterly clear the nature of a real body, not just the appearance or vision that is not physical or corporeal. Jesus could be recognized by others but only when he wanted to be. The timber of his voice remained the same Is not bound to the physical sphere it can appear and disappear at will, and walk through locked doors. While Jesus' body can relate to the physical world, it is not bound by space and time.

(John 20:1-18) What are the evidences for the resurrection presented in this passage? Why is the truth of the resurrection so important as an indispensable foundation stone of the Christian faith? What does Jesus’ resurrection mean to your outlook on life? Evidence of Jesus' resurrection: 1. The neatness and position of the grave clothes attest that his body was not stolen, nor that he unwrapped himself. 2. The discovery of the empty tomb is not a case of mistaken identity, since the women were witnesses to Jesus' burial. 3. The empty tomb and the presence of the grave clothes are attested by Peter and John before they are convinced that Jesus has actually been raised from the dead. The fact of the resurrection is the foundation stone of our Christian faith. Jesus Himself said that He will go to the Father and then He will send the Holy Spirit to us. In addition, He said that He will be seated at the right hand of the Father and intercede for us before the Father. If we did not believe in the resurrection, then all of Jesus' words would be false and our faith would be non-existent and hopelessly misplaced.

(John 20:14-18) What has been Mary’s emotional state prior to recognizing Jesus? Why does Jesus tell her not to “hold on” to him? What is the mission he gives her? Mary is weeping loudly and without restraint because she believes that Jesus' body has been stolen - 'They have taken my Lord away,' she said, 'and I don't know where they have put him.'" (John 20:13) Mary seems to be in shock as evidenced by the strangeness of her conversation with the angels and the supposed gardener. Jesus told Mary not to cling on to Him "... Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father." (John 20:17a) Instead, Jesus gives Mary a mission, "Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" (John 20:17b)

(John 20:3-9) What is the significance of the presence and position of the grave clothes in the tomb? Why do you think it was difficult at this time for Peter to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead? The significance of the grave clothes: "strips of linen lying by themselves" and "the strips of linen lying there" suggest that Jesus' body had slipped free of the grave clothes without disturbing them whatsoever. If anyone had removed the body, he would not have stripped it first, nor would he have taken the trouble to remove and roll up the napkin and put it in a place by itself. The modern theory that Jesus had been in a coma and somehow revived in the cool of the tomb meets its match as well. If Jesus had revived, he would have had to unwind the grave shroud in order to walk free. Eventhough Jesus had often hinted and alluded to His resurrection the disciples did not understand. This was probably because the thought of Jesus' death and leaving them is so overwhelming that they don't listen to the resurrection part. Often we see some miracles and our natural Man take over and we try to seek a logical explanation of the event. It is only when we spend time and seek the Lord that He opens our eyes and hearts to understand the significance of the miracle that we had witnessed.

(John 20:1; Luke 8:1-3) What do we know about Mary Magdalene? Why do you think a woman was given the honor of seeing the risen Christ first? We can surmise the following about Mary Magdalene: Mary is from Magdala. Mary is from a wealthy family. Mary was troubled, and had been healed by Jesus from seven demons which he had cast out of her. Mary is single. Mary is devoted to Jesus. In my opinion, it was not so much the gender but the devotion of the person - Mary Magdalene was the first to rise and go to the tomb. Mary Magdalene remained at the tomb and wept after the disciples went away when they did not find Jesus' body in the tomb.

Q5. (John 19:38-42) Who were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus? Was it good that they were “secret disciples”? What risk did they incur by participating in Jesus’ burial? Why is the burial account important to Jesus’ story? To our understanding of who Jesus is? Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were both wealthy men and prominent members of the Sanhedrin. These men were secret believers. It is difficult to answer whether this is good or bad. On the one hand, Jesus did say that if we publicly deny God, He would also deny us before the Father. On the other hand, in such circumstances of public persecution, there may be a case for being a secret believer so that believers may continue to spread God's Word. Both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus risked being seen as sympathisers and thrown out of the Sanhedrin and probably even imprisoned. The burial account was important because: - it showed the care and love that believers had for their Master, our Lord Jesus - it paralleled the mercy that Jesus showed to Man - the amount of spices used in the burial was similar to that used for royalty : the Lords of Lords and Kings of Kings - the type of tomb used accorded Jesus the respect and esteem that He deserved but was not given when He was alive on earth

Q4. (John 19:31-37) Why do you think Jesus died in such a relatively short time? What does the water and blood flowing from Jesus’ side indicate? How did it fulfill Scripture? Jesus died in a relatively short time because (i) He had power to take up or put down His earthly life (I) He knew that the Jews would ask for their legs to be broken so as to hasten their death before the special Sabbath the next day - scripture was fulfilled that "Not one of His (Jesus) bones would be broken." The water and blood flowing from Jesus' side indicated that Jesus was actually (physically) dead. This fulfilled scripture which made reference to His side being pierced.

Q3. (John 19:30) When Jesus says, “It is finished,” what does he mean? What mission(s) had the Father given him. In what way did he complete them? When Jesus said "It is finished", He meant that He had completed the work that Father God had sent Him to earth to do: - He has taught truth using the very words of the Father. - He has revealed the glory of the Father through his miracles. - He has words of eternal life. - He has borne the sins of all the world upon him on the cross. And now it is finished. The beginning chapters of John's Gospel reveal his mission. Jesus came to: - Bring eternal life: "In him was life, and that life was the light of men." (1:4) - Bring grace and truth: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (1:14) - Reveal the Father and the Father's glory: "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known." (1:18) - Die as a sacrifice for our sins. "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (1:29) Jesus fulfilled the prophesies about Himself and completed His assignment on earth by dying on the cross to redeem Man from his sins.

(John 19:26-27) What is Jesus' mother Mary feeling at the cross? Why does Jesus give John responsibility to care for his mother? What does this say about Jesus' values? Mary, Jesus' earthly mother was weeping and heart-broken - "she is consoled by friends". John was the disciple that Jesus loved. According to Jewish custom, Jesus being the eldest son has to ensure that His mother is cared and provided for. Jesus showed filial piety to his earthly mother.

Q1. (John 19:23-24; Psalm 22:14-18) In what ways did Jesus fulfill Psalm 22:14-18? What does the Psalms passage tell us about how Jesus felt on the cross? Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 22:14-18 thus: - he was weak - he was thirsty - a band of evil men has encircled him ie the Jews and the criminals who were crucified beside Jesus - his hands and feet were pierced - soldiers divided Jesus' garment among themselves - soldiers cast lots for his clothing Jesus' feelings on the cross as prophesied in the Psalm : - fear - humiliation - pain

(John 19:7-15) What does Pilate fear when the Jewish leaders report that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God? What does Pilate fear when the Jewish leaders threaten to report him to Caesar? Which fear wins out? What fears control you and keep you from serving Jesus fully? What motivation is winning out in your life? In John 19:7, the real reason for the Jews' accusation appear - "The Jews insisted, 'We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.'" To Pilate, the term "Son of God" is alarming. Greek and Roman mythologies had many divine beings that went around as men. Pilate is now afraid that he has offended a god. "... Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, 'If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.'" (John 19:12) Pilate feared that if they actually sent an embassy, they would also expose the rest of his conduct as governor by stating in full the briberies, the insults, the outrages and wanton injuries, the executions without trial constantly repeated, the ceaseless and supremely grievous cruelty. The fear of self-preservation won over the fear of offending the gods and Pilate capitulated to the Jews' demands.

(John 19:1-6) Why do you think Pilate maintains Jesus’ innocence and then has him brutally scourged? Why does Jesus allow himself to be brutally scourged and then mocked? (see Hebrews 12:2) How much persecution are you willing to endure to accomplish the mission the Father has given you? Pilate wants to release Jesus to gain sympathy for Jesus with the crowd by flogging and humiliating him. Pilate plans to punish Jesus severely to mollify the Jewish leaders, and then let him go in the interests of justice. As Roman procurator, Pilate is committed to justice, which would require him to release Jesus. But as a politician, he is committed to keeping the peace and his job! Rome expects him to keep his province peaceful, to diffuse dissent that could become ugly, and, if necessary, to put down rebellion ruthlessly. He hopes that the Jews will have mercy on one of their own, especially one who is represented as "the king of Jews," when they see the results of flogging, and recognize that their own nation and people are being punished in the person of this "king." Many people, like Peter, can say that they are willing to die for Jesus and His cause. However, when the time comes and the chips are down, only then will we know the truth of how we will react.

(John 18:37-38) Jesus presents himself as the King of Truth, with a mission to testify to the truth. What is the danger when we disciples declare the gospel is absolutely true? How do cynics like Pilate or people in our post-modern age react? If people reject the truth we bring, what is the next step for us? When disciples declare that the gospel is true, we would encounter questions of "How do we know?", "How can we be so sure?", "Who told us?", etc. The world sees truth as relative. Instead of black and white, the world subscribes to and see things in grey. It is all a matter of perspective. Truth is often sacrificed for compromise, expediency and political correctness. As Pilate asked, "What is truth?". If people reject the truth we bring, in terms of ministry, we should stop ministering to them until they are ready to seek God for themselves. In the meantime, we can continue to pray for God to open their eyes and hearts and that the seed (of the Word) that was implanted in them would grow and some day they would decide to seek God and come to see and accept God's truth.

(John 18:29-35) What do you think the Jewish leaders charged Jesus with before Pilate? If true, why would that be taken seriously by the Romans? What kind of king does Jesus say he is? Where is the source of his kingship, according to Jesus? What is the danger to our gospel message when we politicize Christian causes? Jesus was accused of being - a criminal - a rebel - opposed to paying taxes to Ceasar - a King, a threat to Rome In fact, the Jewish leaders are charging Jesus for being a blasphemer, however, this would not have been taken seriously by the Romans. As such, to Pilate they politicized their accusations and charged Jesus for being a dangerous criminal and a rebel who is a threat to Rome. In response to Pilate's question, Jesus acknowledges that He is a King, however His Kingdom is from another place. Jesus said that His Kingdom is not of this world. Politicizing the gospel message would detract from the intention of acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Saviour and His teachings. The gospel message would be muddied with the political agendas and misquoted or taken out of context to support the political ideologies of the day / party.

(John 18:17-18, 25-27) What have been Peter’s acts of courage at the arrest and in the high priest’s courtyard? Why do you think he ends up denying Jesus? How would you rebuke Peter according to Galatians 6:1b? Has your courage failed lately? What should you do about it? Peter's acts of courage: - he cut off one of the guards' ears when they came to arrest Jesus - he went into the courtyard with the guards who brought Jesus to Annas Peter's flesh took over and his courage left him when he was questioned by the girl as to his association with Jesus. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1) In this light, we could probably advised Peter to pray and ask God for forgiveness.

(John 18:1-11) What do you think caused the soldiers to fall back in the Garden (18:6)? Why does John tell us this detail? Why does Jesus rebuke Peter for defending him with a sword (18:11)? Jesus is facing forces sent by hell. Why doesn’t he resist? When Jesus answered the guards that He was the One that they were looking for, they drew back and fell to the ground. This could probably be explained as "being slain by the Holy Spirit" or "falling under the power of God / Spirit". Jesus rebukes Peter for defending Him with the sword because this was the time for Jesus to glorify the Father - "Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You"." (John 17:1) This was the reason that Jesus was sent to earth, this was Jesus's mission - to bring salvation to the world. This was also to fulfil God's will - “Father, ...; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

(John 17:11b, 20-21) Why is unity between Christians so important? What is the model Jesus gives of this unity in verse 21a? What effect does true Christian unity have on our witness to the world? Jesus model of unity - "... That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (17:21) Christian unity has a tremendous impact on our witness to the world. Jesus ties Christian unity with evangelism: "...so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:21b) "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:23) Unity, of course, is dependent upon mutual love for each other. And that love more than anything is to be the mark of Jesus' disciples. If we as Christians, professing to love God and Jesus Christ, cannot see eye to eye, how are we to witness to the unbelievers and show our faith to them?

(John 17:15-16) Is God’s desire to immediately extract us from the earth, or to leave us here? How is it possible to be “in” the world, but not “of” it, or contaminated by it? How do we achieve this? No it is not God's desire to take us out of this world. As Jesus said "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:15) Though we disciples are in the world, surrounded by an environment that is often hostile to Jesus and his disciples, we aren't part of the world system. In reality, we are no longer citizens of the world, but citizens of Jesus' Kingdom. We are resident aliens. "For everything in the world the cravings of sinful man, the **** of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does comes not from the Father but from the world." (1 John 2:16) So while we are in this world, how do we stop ourselves from being contaminated? - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2) Paul further wrote, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) We are in the world Jesus wants us here to represent him and his Kingdom but we are not to adopt its value system and lifestyle. We do this with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit allows us to continue here without caving into the pressure to conform.

(John 17:6-10) In what sense do the Son and the Father “co-possess” everything? What does that say about their relationship with each other? In what sense do we “co-possess” everything with the Father and Son? How should that affect our values? The way we live? In what sense do the Son and the Father “co-possess” everything? For example regarding the early disciples, Jesus said - "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word." (John 17:6) They were the Father's, given to Jesus out of the world. They weren't the fruit of Jesus' recruiting prowess, but the Father's chosen gifts to his Son. Further, in John 17:10 it is stated - "All I have is yours, and all you have is mine." Jesus realizes that he shares everything with the Father; they co-possess everything. What does that say about their relationship with each other? The God-head three in one - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are three and yet they are one. The Son, our Lord Jesus is in God and Father God is in Jesus. In what sense do we “co-possess” everything with the Father and Son? "Now if we are children, then we are heirs heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (Romans 8:17) How should that affect our values? The way we live? Knowing this, our values must reflect the values of God. To do this, we must meditate and obey God's words and commandments. In doing this, the way we live will fall in place accordingly.

(John 17:4-5) What was Jesus’ preexistent glory like? What was his glory like during his earthly ministry? How did his glory peek through? What is his glory like now in the presence of his Father? Why do you think Jesus wants his disciples to see him in this glory (verse 24)? Jesus's pre-existent glory and His glory now sitting at the right hand of the Father (Revelations 4:11-13) - "Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”. Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” During His earthly ministry, Jesus shed His heavenly glory and became a man who walked the dusty roads of Palestine, speaking in its villages, healing its sick and casting out demons. He was abused and finally executed in great shame and disgrace. However, His glory peeked through - the glory of the Son's obedience and the Father's divine love that brings redemption to humanity. Jesus wanted His disciples to see Him in this glory so that they can really and truly see Him for what He is i.e. God and appreciate the great pain and sacrifice He went through for our salvation and redemption.

(John 17:4) What was the “work” the Father gave Jesus to do? How did it bring glory to the Father? What is the “work” the Father has given you to do? In what ways are you bringing glory to the Father in this? God the Father sent His begotten Son Jesus to bring salvation to the peoples by preaching the Word of God, by taking our sins and nailing it to the cross and by giving us victory in His resurrection and ascension to sit at the right hand of the Father. Jesus glorified Father God on earth by making sure that the Father's plan for salvation was accomplished, finished and completed. Amen!

(John 17:3) If the average person were to define the words “eternal life,” what would they say? Does Jesus define eternal life in terms of duration of time? What is the key element of his definition? How are you doing at present in Jesus’ definition of eternal life. To the average person, eternal life is most probably seen from the perspective of time i.e. eternal equates forever, for all eternity. However, Jesus does not define eternal life thus. To Jesus, eternal life is seen from the perspective of having a personal, intimate and never-ending relationship with God.

Q4. (John 16:33) In what sense has Jesus “overcome” the world? In what sense can we “overcome” the world? Can we overcome Satan even though we are martyred in the process? In the wilderness, Jesus stood against all of Satan's temptations. On the cross, Jesus bore all of the sin and degradation of mankind, and was raised from the dead. He now reigns at the right hand of the Father and is interceding for us. We can overcome the world by not succumbing to its temptations and falling into sin. Jesus has already given us the victory. We can overcome satan by confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord of all and that He is our Lord and Saviour, even unto death. Amen!

Q3. (John 16:32) Jesus said that he is not alone, that the Father is always with him. What does this mean to us when we are lonely? What should we do to deepen our fellowship with the ever-present Father so that we aren’t as lonely? It gives me the assurance that even when I feel alone, yet I am not alone. The Father God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit are only a prayer away. As Jesus said, 'He will never leave us or forsake us.'. To deepen our fellowship with Father God and Jesus, we must spend time meditating on His word and also spend time in prayer.

Q2. (John 16:23-28) What does it mean to pray to the Father “in Jesus’ name”? Is it okay to pray to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit? Why or why not? Is it scriptural to pray to a saint to intercede for us? Why are we allowed to pray to the Father directly? To pray in Jesus' name means to pray with his commission, his authority -- and in his will. We no longer need Jesus to bring us into the Father's presence -- that work has been completed on the cross; the veil of the temple separating the holy place from the holy of holies has been rent. The way is open to the Father. So we can now pray directly to the Father but in Jesus' name. This is because the Father knows us and loves us. Nevertheless it is still ok to pray to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. However, I do not see the need to pray to a saint to intercede for us. Jesus Himself is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for us day and night. What more can we ask for? Thank you Jesus.