1. Faith in Christ Jesus:
2 Timothy 1:12 defines FAITH as knowing the trustworthy character and motives of Jesus, and being confident in His limitless promise-keeping ability,
and consequently committing yourself entirely to His keeping. We are studying the Gospel of John, answering these questions: 1) What is revealed of
Jesus’ character, motives, and abilities? 2) What is indicated that you could confidently commit to Jesus?
John 19: 38-42
Jesus. Dead and Buried!
Do you remember the purpose, and focus, of the Gospel of John?
John 20:30-31 says, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of
his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written that ye
might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, ye
might have life through His name.
Now Jesus is dead and buried. What is left for trust and hope and commitment
to hold? Perhaps we should be asking a different question! This is the very
moment when our commitment to Christ Jesus must be genuine
and determined. It is the moment when we stand upon what we
have seen in Jesus and completely trust Him into an unknown
future! What question should we ask in our darkest, and most hopeless
hour?
Questions at the Tomb!
What, exactly, did God promise?
Did God promise that I would never lose a job, never get sick, never run
out of money, never be divorced, never lose a loved-one to death, never
get old and dilapidated,... No. However, Jesus DID say in John 11:40 ...
Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would
believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God?
See God's glory? God's glory is seen through the
demonstrations of His wisdom, power, love, majesty,
sovereignty, grace, mercy, faithfulness, etc.
What, exactly, just happened?
Is this the end of something, the beginning of something, or both?
Start looking for the kind of thing Jesus always did, to be done again! He
redeems (Titus 2:14). He saves (Genesis 50:20). He resurrects (1
Corinthians 15:35-44). He cleanses (Matthew 8:3). He forgives (John
8:10-11). He gives purpose (Mark 16:15). Want more? Read your Bible
more! Be an intelligent reader of the Bible! Always be looking for some
aspect of God's person, character traits, abilities, to be revealed.
How may this event strengthen my trust in Jesus, strengthen
my commitment to Jesus, and be used to reveal Jesus to others
through me?
Who thinks of this while suffering grief, pain, and loss? Almost
everyone gets close to it when they ask, “Why, God? Why did this have to
happen?” Especially for believers, there is hope of some worthy gain!
(Philippians 3:7-11, and 2 Corinthians 12:8-10).
Indeed, nothing is lost if committed to Jesus!
(1 Timothy 5:24-25)
What do those scripture verses tell you?
How does the death of Jesus cause you to believe, trust, rely on, and
commit to, Jesus? If Jesus did not actually die, then …..... (finish the
statement)
All people die, eventually. If not the cross, then old age would have killed
Jesus. What makes this so special? Read John 12:24 and 10:14-18 to help
with your answer.