LIFE TOGETHER FAMILY FELLOWSHIP “alive together in Christ.” Eph. 2:4,5

Taking on the Heart of Jesus Jesus came to: Explain the Father – John 1:18 To give his life as a ransom for many – Mark 10:45 To save the world – John 3:17 To bring peace – John 14:27 To demonstrate his perfect patience as an example – 1 Tim. 1:16 To be the mediator between God and man – 1 Tim. 1:16 So that all people will be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth – 1 Tim. 2:4,5 To set us free – John 8:32

Who is Jesus? “Interpretations of Jesus are fraught with bias. He’s a powerful figure whom people want on their sides – and they’re willing to re-create him in their image to enlist his support. Animal rights activists imagine a vegetarian Jesus. New Agers make him an example of finding god within. And radical feminists strip him of divinity so that Christianity doesn’t appear sexist. Frankly, it’s hard to escape the feeling that our culture has taken Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” and changed it to “Who do you want me to be?” - Swindoll, Jesus, ix. From “Putting Jesus in His Place”. Bowman and Komoszewski.

Why did John write his gospel? but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31

Titles of Jesus – John 1 Word Lamb of God Son of God Rabbi Messiah Jesus of Nazareth King of Israel Son of Man - Revelation of God - Eternal sacrifice - Deity - Teacher to obey - Anointed one - Humanity - Authority - Victory

The Theme of the Bible - The Revelation of God through His Son Jesus Christ God’s Redemptive Plan to restore His people to Himself

John 2: 1-11 Wedding at Cana What was before is being changed into something new Jewish tradition is being fulfilled in faith in Christ Salvation is not only for Jews, but now for all Use of Jewish ceremonial water purification pots to signify a change “…and his disciples believed in Him.” 2:11

John 2:13-25 Cleansing of the Temple Jewish system of righteousness is now being fulfilled in the actual person of Jesus Jesus is the ultimate and final sacrifice No more need of the temple system Use of the pinnacle of the Jewish system: the temple “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19 “…His disciples remembered that He said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had spoken.” 2:22

Comparison Wedding: Use of the Jewish Purification Vessels Temple: Use of the Jewish Sacrificial Purification Location Wedding: Performs in secret Temple: In the most public of all places PURPOSE: Both result in Belief in Him

John’s Argument Jesus Christ is God Jesus Christ is Man Christ became flesh and dwelt among us Jesus came to change the Jewish system Jesus came to save the world through belief in Him The Question is for John: Who needs this salvation? What kind of people? Who is Jesus interested in saving?

John 3 - Nicodemus “a ruler of the Jews” Theologian Scholar in the Old Testament Morally strict on keeping the law The standard of righteous in the Jewish System

John 4:1-42 – The Samaritan Woman Complete opposite of Nicodemus Samaritans were hated and rendered unclean to Jews Women were second class, uneducated, low social position, not part of the religious sects One of low social standing having 5 husbands

John 4: – Roman Official Gentile: Only way for Gentiles to enter the kingdom is for them to become Jews Outside of the kingdom of God Represents oppressors of Israel Enemy of God in the Jewish mind Jesus heals his Son

John 5: 1-18 – Healing of the Lame POOL OF BETHESDA – Jerusalem Those who were sick Blind Lame Withered

Jesus goes up to Jerusalem during the time of a feast. 5:1 Goes to the place of the afflicted “Comes to understand” about him. – 5:6 “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition…” – Jesus meets him where he is and learns about him, taking interest in him

John’s Question Who needs Jesus? Theologian Samaritan Woman Royal Official Afflicted Jesus’ compassion knows no bounds or barriers. John’s Answer - ALL need Jesus.

Application Taking on the Heart of Jesus As ambassadors of Jesus we take on his compassion for the world – No barriers – No economic boundaries – No social or racial stigmas – No just “associating with people like us” – Let us pray for forgiveness Bitterness – Grudge – Arrogance - Separation

Ambassadors of Jesus Meeting people where they are to reveal Jesus to them – physically, emotionally, spiritually We go to where they are, not wait for them to come to us, take interest in others selflessly – Family/Friends – Reconciliation / Separation – Neighbor – Service – Workplace – Encouragement – Stranger – Comfort – Needy – Warmth and Food ALL need us to reveal Jesus to them as Jesus has revealed himself to us