King James Bible Study – [Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.]
Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Chapters: JOHN 19-21
Study: The LORD is My Portion
Hello My Friend,
I apologize for the delay in this, my internet was out.
Yesterday, I had saw this, [The Lord’s portion is his people.] which had reminded me that we who receive Christ as our Saviour are God’s portion. Today, this popped up, [The Lord is my portion] which prompted me to look up the Scripture and I found this, [Lamentations 3:24-26 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.]
The world tends to frown when God says that those who receive His Son belong to Him, they detest the thought of being owned. Well, there are two very vital reasons as to why we need to both accept and rejoice in that we belong to God. One; our salvation was bought with a price, and Christ paid that with His very own blood, [1 Corinthians 7:22-23 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.]
And two; the best thing about belonging to God is that He also belongs to us, and that can work to our greatest advantage. This works both ways, we may not realize it, but being a servant of God is the most liberating thing that we could ever do. Before we know Christ as our Saviour, we are in fact, servants of someone, most of all sin, but the second that we accept Him we are freed from all that bondage, [John 17:25-26 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.]
As we come to the end of the Gospels, John, gives his account to what took place when Jesus stood before Pilate for judgment. I thought it necessary to start with Scripture from John 18 as we did not touch on this when we read it a few days ago. Pilate, was actually kind of confused as to why the Jews brought Him to him for judgment, and Jesus responds to why, [John 18:35-38 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.]
[Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?] Pilate, had no idea who Jesus is, as far as he was concerned He was just a man who the people were calling the king of the Jews. There was nothing said from either Jesus or the Jews that would convince him that Jesus deserved to die. Pilate, still wanted to release Him, but even if it were an option, I believe the people would have turned on him if he did. In fact, the more he tried to get them to let Him go the louder they got, [John 19:5-8 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! 6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. 7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. 8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;]
[When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;] That actually made Pilate even more afraid to sentence Jesus to death, but it did not matter what Pilate said, they were determined to have Him killed. Pilate, even tried to convince himself that he had the power to save Jesus from death, but Jesus knew that the only power that could save Him would have come directly from God.
[John 19:10-14 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. 12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!]
[And it was the preparation of the passover,] This was not the actual Passover meal, remember, Jesus, and the disciples had observed that the night before. They were still observing the feast of unleavened bread, and on top of that an actual Sabbath was approaching, which they called a passover Sabbath. This is when they would prepare everything they needed for the Sabbath the day before as it was a rest day. Pilate, realized that there was nothing he could do to release Jesus, and therefore, delivered him to be crucified.
[John 19:16-18,23-24 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. 17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: 18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.]
[and for my vesture they did cast lots.] All of this was fulfilled at Calvary, but notice that even though they tore up every piece of clothes that Jesus was wearing, they did not tear up His coat. Look how the Psalm reads, it is probably the most descriptive account as to what Jesus was feeling when He hung there on the cross, [Psalms 22:15-19 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. 19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.]
Whether we care to admit it or not, everything is under the power of God, and no one can go against what is already predestined. There are some things that we cannot avoid, and it must come to pass as it is written for even us. And it was not until every bit of the Scripture was fulfilled that Jesus knew it was time to die.
[John 19:28-31 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. 31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.]
[It is finished: and he bowed his head,] “It is finished!”, Jesus, finished every purpose that He was sent here for. “It is finished!”, Jesus, finished the need for animal sacrifices for atonement and redemption that only masked sin. “It is finished!”, Jesus, finished the need for the veil that would separate God from man, [Hebrews 10:1-4,10 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.]
The Jews could not wait to get those bodies off the cross before the Sabbath began, so, in an attempt to rush things they broke the legs of the other two men next to Jesus. When they came to Jesus they discovered He already died, instead of breaking His legs, to make sure that He was dead, a soldier pierced His side, [John 19:33-37 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. 37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.]
[And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true:] This was done to prove that Jesus, in fact, did die on the cross. Otherwise, anyone could have said that Jesus did not actually die on the cross. This actually bears some resemblance to something else that I believe it was John who said it also, [1 John 5:10-11 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.]
Jesus’ death was enough to break that curse of death passed down to man due to sin, but He went beyond that by giving every believer eternal life with Him. How did Jesus do that? When He arose from the dead. John, also gives the account of Mary Magdalene and the other women coming to the tomb on the first day of the week, but he also tells of both him and Peter running to the tomb after they heard that Jesus was not there.
[John 20:1-5 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.]
[and the other disciple did outrun Peter,] This is John, he ran so fast to the tomb that he was out of breath, surpassing Peter. He looks in and sees the linen cloth that Jesus was wrapped in, and instantly believed that Jesus did swallow up death in victory, and he did not need the Scriptures to point that out to him. Peter, on the other hand needed a little more convincing, he walked into the tomb and found out something rather interesting, [John 20:6-9 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.]
[For as yet they knew not the scripture,] While the disciples really did not understand the Scriptures that time. Remember, Jesus even said this to Peter, [John 13:7b What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.] John, did not need the Scriptures, he believed that Jesus had risen before he walked into the tomb. We certainly do not need the Scriptures for us to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who died a sinless death on the cross, was buried in a tomb, and arose three days later but they do help us understand it a little bit better. We who live by faith, do not need every word, we just need to believe in the promise.
[Hebrews 11:8,35,39-40 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.]
That was actually not the case for Thomas, he refused to believe that Jesus had arose until he not only saw the nail prints in His hands, but put his finger through them. Yes, later that day, the disciples got together and hid themselves for fear of the Jews as lies had gotten out that the body of Jesus was taken by the disciples. And who should appear in the room, but Jesus Himself, but Thomas was not there with them.
[John 20:19,2-25 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.]
[Whose soever sins ye remit,] [Remit; To forgive; To pardon. To restore.] The second we receive Christ as our Saviour our sins are forgiven, removed, and we are restored to God. Amen! We are given that choice to accept the Saviour and if we do, then we will be pardoned of our sins. On the other hand, [whose soever sins ye retain,] if we do not accept Christ, then our sins will remain, and we will be held accountable for them when we stand before Christ, [Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.]
I imagine the disciples were quite upset that Thomas did not believe them, but Jesus did not appear to them until eight days later, but when he did, they saw a sight that they had never seen before, [John 20:26-29 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.]
[My Lord and my God.] Do you know how many people see something miraculous right before their eyes and still do not believe in the power of God? Jesus, wanted Thomas to understand that seeing Him was not believing in Him, but He must have faith to believe in what he was seeing. You know, we can see some amazing things with our eyes, imagine what we can really see by opening them to Jesus? Blessed are those who have faith and believe without seeing, for they will truly see the power of God working in their lives, [1 John 5:13-15 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.]
Peter and John spent three and a half years ministering to Jesus, now, that He was gone the only thing they thought to do was go back to the life they lived before Christ. They discovered, just like the rest of us, that once you receive Christ you cannot go back to the live you lived before receiving Him. They went fishing with some of the other disciples, but could not catch any fish, until Jesus showed up on the shore and told them where to cast the net.
[John 21:3-6 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.]
[I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee.] It is literally impossible for a saved, born again Christian to return to the life they lived before having received Him as they are now new creatures. Even simple things that we use to do are a reminder that we can do nothing without Jesus. At first, no one knew that it was Jesus, but as soon as John saw the fish, he knew right away that it was Jesus. As they returned back to shore with the fish they already find Jesus there with a fire and fish.
[John 21:9-14 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.]
[Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine.] Did you ever notice that Jesus has the best conversations with the disciples as they were eating? Coincidence? I do not think so. Jesus, made it a point to make sure that we understand that while we cannot live by bread alone, He will supply our every need when we trust Him, [Philippians 4:8-9,19 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.]
So, you see, it is not a bad thing to belong to God because we belong to Him, and as long as we keep on believing that He will supply our every need. Do you understand why God wants you to serve Him even though we are saved by grace and not by any of our works? Jesus, explains the reason why to Peter.
[John 21:15,17-18 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.]
[and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.] This is the great commission in a nutshell, you get saved by grace, then you publicly profess your faith by getting baptized in water, and as you start living your life through Christ, you lead others to Him as well and start the cycle all over again. Why? Because we will not be here on earth forever. And I will tell you this, if we are not leading others to Christ, very few will get saved on their own, and before you know it no one will be getting saved. When Jesus returns, it will be too late to tell anyone about Him because we will not be here, [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.]
Today’s Prayer: Jesus, Thank You, again for taking my place on the cross, and for dying to save my soul from death and hell. While I do not need to do anything to keep my salvation for it is now eternal, I do want to live the rest of my time here by patiently as I await eternal life. Through the sorrow, through the pain, through the suffering, keep my eyes, ears, mind, and heart on the truth that I have finished what You have given me to do. LORD, lead me and guide me, keep my heart tender, my faith strong, and my mind in Your mercy and grace, give me Your power to walk by faith and not by sight, and give me Your strength to continue my course patiently until it is done. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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