Hope for Today

John 14:7-12

Hello and welcome to Hope for Today. We are privileged to be here with you, and we are so glad you have joined us. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope. We’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week our Bible teaching broadcasts circle the globe in English and 23 other major languages, and each week many people like you tune in for spiritual encouragement and blessing.

If you’ve been listening regularly, you know that we are currently studying in the Gospel of John. Today the title is “How to Experience God” before we get into today’s lesson with J Mark, I want to share two verses with you as we think about Experiencing God.

The first verse is Hebrews 11:6; it says, But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. This verse tells us we must believe that He is. There are some who cannot get beyond this part. They say I can’t believe there is a God. This is unfortunate because then they never be able to know God and experience Him. I want to clarify: denying God’s existence is not the same as doubting His power or goodness; most people have gone through a hard time where we question God. This is not the same as declaring there is No God. Thankfully God is patient and merciful toward us in either situation.

The second verse is Ecclesiastes 3:11; it says, “God has put eternity in their hearts.” This verse applies to all people. I love how the Bible is not limited to a specific time or a certain culture. The truth from Scripture is for people everywhere all the time. Now this phrase “eternity in our hearts” explains a reality many of us have experienced. We long for things eternal. Life here on earth can be good, and we thank God for all we have. But at the same time, things can be very hard. We have diseases, and there is death. When we experience these things, we long for a better place. We want to live; we want to live where there is no death, where sin has not tarnished a thing.

You see, I think this is “eternity in our hearts” We were created for more than life on this earth. God put that in us, so we don’t become satisfied here. So, in the good times and the hard times, we are walking with God and worshipping Him, and this is how we can Experience God. We look forward to hearing from J Mark as he teaches us more about Experiencing God. Please turn with us to John 14. Thanks again for joining us; we’re so glad you’re here.

Many long for God. But where can He be found? Is God real, or is He only an idea—perhaps even an escape idea?

I’m glad to tell you God is real. We can see the facts about God all around us. The Apostle Paul writing to the Romans, told them, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” Romans 1:20.

That tells us God has not left Himself without evidence of the fact that He is real, so much so that the Apostle argued that the invisible things are understood by the things that one can see.

Now, let’s talk about HOW TO EXPERIENCE GOD. When God created the first man, Adam, the Bible tells us that He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and Adam became a living soul.

 The Bible further tells us that when God created Adam, He created him in His image and likeness. That means that the first man, Adam, was fit for fellowship with God. That means something else too. It means that every child of Adam has been born with the capacity to fellowship with God. That is why every person has a longing for God. Even those people who claim to be atheists, by the very fact that they deny God, admit His existence. Every effort to get rid of the idea of God is proof that that person thinks God must, after all, be. He is there. He must be there, or there would be no need to get rid of Him.

That restlessness can be changed to an experience with God. A great African Bishop of the church many years ago made this statement, “Our souls are restless until they find their rest in Thee,” speaking of the true God.

From the words of Jesus in John 14:7-12, we can learn how to experience God.

7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffices us.

9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

10. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

12. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

If we desire to experience God, we must accept the CERTAINTIES which are set forth in this text.

We must first accept as certain The Universal Search.

Jesus made an affirmation when He said, “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father.” Here is a direct route from Jesus to God. He made it positively clear that that is the route you must take if you want to experience God. Philip raised the question, the problem all of us face, when he said, “Lord, show us the Father, and it will satisfy us.” The very fact that Philip would make this statement proves there is what I have called a God-echo in the soul of every man. Because you and I are like Philip, we would like so much to see God. If somehow, He would only make His appearance.

I remember reading when Moses was up on the mountain with God, he had the same problem. He said to the Lord, “Show me thy face”. But God said, “No, you cannot see my face.”

There is that certainty of the universal search. It proves that there is a God-echo in the soul of every man. Don’t you agree: the real search is to experience God?

Then we must accept as certain The Unusual Statement.

Jesus, first of all, established a condition as He replied to Philip in these words, “Have I been so long

time with you, and you have not known me, Philip?” Philip had overlooked the evidence. It was right there. He was associated with the evidence. It should have been clear to him. So Jesus wondered why Philip had not been able to understand this. Jesus was there. Philip had seen Him. Then Jesus said clearly, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” That must have been a rather severe rebuke to Philip.

Jesus further instructed Philip, “You must recognize, Philip, that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” This brings me to the truth that belief goes beyond mere flesh. Philip saw a man in the flesh. He should have been able to see beyond that and see God in the flesh.

Jesus went on to say, “The works that I do and the words that I speak are the works and words of the Father who dwells in me.” Yes, there is another certainty here: God-unity is a necessary fact.

Now I will freely say, my friend, that this idea is very difficult to come by just in your mind. But Jesus made it clear to Philip: the way to experience God is to accept the unusual statement that Jesus made of the unity between Him and God.

Finally, we accept as certain The Unqualified Situation.

Jesus placed the foundation for this certainty in these words: “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me.” If that is more than you can do, He said, “believe me for the very works’ sake.”

My friend, to experience God, there is no escape from believing in Jesus. This is the unqualified situation. Many people would like to side-step this. But you can’t. If you want to experience God, then here is what Jesus said must be, “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me.”

The realization of this unqualified situation becomes clearer as we listen when Jesus also said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” There is a God-connection here, a beautiful God-connection.

One who believes in Jesus will be doing the same kind of works that He did and even go beyond the works that He did. Well, right now, I am talking with you in a way that Jesus could not do when He was here on earth. I am coming to you by way of the radio, and you are listening. Praise God! We are having fellowship together in the words of God, the words of Jesus. Jesus said, “He that believes on me will do greater works than I do because I go to my Father.”

Yes, my friend, to experience God, you must realize there is that God-echo in the soul; there is that God-unity between Father and Son; there is that God-connection between God and us.

There is a longing in the human soul for God! To experience Him, you must consent to these certainties: the universal search, the unusual statement, the unqualified situation. These are certainties which are appropriated by faith. Take your step of faith now, my friend. Reach out and receive them. Know what that God-echo means in your soul, what that God-unity means between Father and Son, and what that God-connection can mean between God and you.

My friend, was this teaching helpful? If you’d like a copy, either in print or on an audio CD, just contact us and ask for it by the title. Or log onto our website heraldsofhope.org

The quickest way for you to connect with us is to send an email to [email protected]. That email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or an audio CD of this teaching. We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our Bible Study Guide, Hope Herald. It follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we’re studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. Our email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a free copy of this teaching. It’s available in print or on an audio CD. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study in John.

And don’t forget our Bible teaching programs are available to you all the time and anytime at the website, heraldsofhope.org.

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Pastor J. Mark continues our study from John’s Gospel. You won’t want to miss it. And until then, keep looking to Jesus. He’ll give you hope for today!

John 14:1-6

Hello friend, and welcome to Hope for Today. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope. We’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week our Bible teaching broadcasts circle the globe in English and 22 other major languages. And why do we teach from the Bible? Because the Bible is the only source of lasting hope. It is God’s Holy Word.

You know as well as I do that we can’t rely on the words of men because men change. Think of all the unkept promises people make, maybe even specific promises to you personally. But God is unchanging; He keeps His promises. The Psalmist, David, said in Psalm 119:89, “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in Heaven.” You and I can depend on God’s Word.

Because God’s Word is unchanging and reliable, we share this teaching with many people around the world in different languages in both audio and print. And we receive many testimonies of lives that have been transformed by the power of the Gospel. If this program touches your heart and life, we’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned, and I’ll give you our contact information at the close of the program.

Now, here’s Pastor J. Mark with today’s teaching.

It is certain we all have some fears. We are told by the doctors that we are born with this emotional response, fear. Then we have also developed some fears. Some are good fears, and some are not so good. The good fears protect us from accidents. The not-so-good fears keep us from enjoying life. Many of our fears are without foundation. Often, we are afraid of what will happen, which never happens.

I think one of our most basic fears is stated in this question: “What will happen to me when I die?” That is a good fear, a fear you ought to listen to. I am glad to tell you that fear can be cured. Jesus has a word for us about such fear. His word is found in John 14:1-6.

1. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.
4. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Yes, my friend, faith can cure fear. In this text, Jesus defined the several QUALITIES of faith which will help to cure fear.

Let us look at the first one: The Reality of Faith.

Faith is a common reality to all of us. We all have faith: faith in something or somebody. It is a part of our person; we are made with the capability of believing. The Apostle Paul, when writing to the Romans, said, “God hath given to every man a measure of faith.”

So, faith is a fact. This reality is a part of our being. The important thing about it is that it needs direction. Just any kind of faith will not be the kind that can cure fear. Faith needs direction, and it is a common reality to all of us.

There must be then a certain reality. I am sure you will agree with me there is a Supreme Being. We all know this to be a fact, a reality. What we need further to accept is the fact of the True God. I don’t know what kind of god you worship. Some of my listeners write to me and ask, “Who is God? How can I know Him?”

I want to point out to you that faith needs direction and that a certain reality must come through to us. We must accept the fact of the True God.

Now, even though you may not know very much about God, perhaps you know very little at this point, I want to insist, my friend, that you must accept this fact, the reality of the True God. This is the first quality of faith to help you cure fear: the reality of faith.

But, beyond the fact of the true God there is a companion reality which is Jesus Christ. The words from John 14:1-6 are the words of Jesus. Here He said, “You believe in God, believe also in me.” We also need this fact: the reality of Jesus. My friend, that must be according to the Bible. You may have your thought or idea about Jesus, but if that does not agree with what the Bible says, it is of little value to you.

Very often, right at this point, we divide. We come to the parting of the way. The reality of faith, my friend, must take in a belief in God and a belief in Jesus to cure the fear of death. That reality can be experienced by believing these words of Jesus.

Faith that can cure fear must have a second quality: The Durability of Faith.

I note that Jesus referred to God’s dwelling place. Perhaps that sounds strange to you, but I want to make sure you understand that God is more than an idea. Some have argued for this. But Jesus speaks of God as having a dwelling place. He calls it “My Father’s house.” Jesus spoke of this. There is a sense in which God can be localized; that is, He has a dwelling place.

The Bible, in other places, refers to heaven being God’s throne and the earth His footstool. Please don’t take this only in a symbolic or poetic sense. Jesus referred to His Father’s house having many mansions. That means God is in a place, an eternal place.

Then there is the declared promise of Jesus, “I go to prepare a place for you.” That is His purpose to do for us. Oh, how precious this is to us! How wonderful to know an enduring faith in this declared promise of Jesus! He said, “I am going to prepare a place for you, and then I will come again and receive you unto myself.” Yes, my friend, that kind of faith can cure your fear.

The promise includes the desired presence of Jesus because He said, “Where I am, there ye may be also.” What a precious, precious promise that is to us. Oh, my friend, this kind of faith can cure your fear of that serious question, “Where shall I go when I die?”

The most effective quality of faith is third: The Personality of Faith.

Here we are getting right down there where it will indeed serve as the cure for fear. There is the sureness of the way, for Jesus said, “You know where I’m going, and you know the way.” That tells me, friend, that we are to follow Him. We cannot find our way. The only way we can know where we are going is when we are following Jesus.

But Thomas, one of His disciples, responded, “Lord, we know not where you are going, and how can we know the way?” Ah yes, Thomas expressed much of my thought, my thought before I came really to know Jesus. Perhaps Thomas expressed your thought, too.

How can we know the way? Now listen, and you will get the security that Jesus gives us by the personality of faith. He answered Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There you have faith clothed in a person. That’s why I have called it the personality of faith.

The affirmation of Jesus is, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Nothing is more needed than this focus of faith on Jesus. He is the way to the Father’s house. Because He is one with the eternal Word, He is truth. We have real life only when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord. To cure fear, we need the personality of faith in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

So, my friend, faith can cure fear when it knows these qualities: reality, durability, and personality. Does your faith have these qualities? In like measure it can cure your fear.

At the beginning of today’s teaching, he said, one of our most basic fears is stated in the question, “What will happen to me when I die?” This is a valid question, and we must seriously consider it. It comes down to two options. You can believe it is like the Bible teaches or you can believe the Bible is wrong. Let’s think about these two.

The Bibles says, “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” At the judgment we are told there are two groups. The ones on the right who will hear, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: and the ones on the left who will hear those awful words, depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. Christ has given His life for you! Will you acknowledge your sin and accept His sacrifice? What happens when you die totally depends on what you have done with Jesus while you are alive. This is the Biblical perspective; remember, this was not the only option.

You could believe the Bible is wrong; there are many who have made this choice. Remember, the question is, what will happen to me when I die? If the Bible is rejected, there is no limit to the answers to this question. Some believe it’s over; we are buried, and that is it. Others have planned to meet the aliens in the tale of the comet Hale-Bopp. Still others believe in a Heaven-like place for everybody. When the truth of scripture is taken away, you are free to invent and believe whatever you want. This is the second option we have, and God in His sovereignty allows us to choose that option. 

Think again about John 14:6; Jesus did not say He is a way or a truth. He said He is the way and the truth. He said No man comes to the Father but through me. He tells us all we need to know about what will happen to us when we die. Then we need to live by faith. We trust him in this life, and we believe what He tells us about the next. 

My friend, was this teaching helpful? If you’d like a copy, either in print or on an audio CD, just contact us and ask for it by the title. Or log onto our website, heraldsofhope.org.

The quickest way for you to connect with us is to send an email to [email protected]. That email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or an audio CD of this teaching. We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our Bible Study Guide, Hope Herald. It follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we’re studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. Our email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember; you can request a free copy of this teaching. It’s available in print or on an audio CD. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study in John.

And don’t forget our Bible teaching programs are available to you all the time and any time at the website, heraldsofhope.org.

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Pastor J. Mark continues our study from John’s Gospel. You won’t want to miss it. And until then, keep looking to Jesus; He’ll give you hope for today!

John 13:31-38

Hello friend, and welcome to Hope for Today. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope. We’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week our Bible teaching broadcasts circle the globe in English and 22 other major languages. Tens of thousands tune in each week for spiritual nourishment and blessing. Thousands are tuning in each week to receive spiritual nourishment and blessing. We receive many exciting testimonies of people who have come to faith in Jesus by listening to the programs.

If you’re tuning in for the first time today, we are currently being led through the Gospel of John by the teaching of our Radio Pastor, J. Mark Horst. In a few moments, he’ll be here to teach us, but before he does that, let’s pray.

Gracious God, our Heavenly Father, we come to you in the precious name of Jesus. It is alone through Him that we have access into your holy presence. His blood, shed on the cross at Calvary, is the only sacrifice that is acceptable to you to wash away our sin.

And now, Father, as Pastor J. Mark comes to teach us from the Word, open our hearts to receive your truth. This I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

In this relation of love, we all need to know more which calls for much more clarification. We need help to understand better the whole nature of love. In this John 13:31-38 text, there is much help in understanding how Jesus clarified love.

32. Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

33. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

34. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

35. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

36. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

37. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

38. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

39. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

My friend, with these words, Jesus defined the several AREAS where love must be clarified.

The need arises in The Area of Conflict.

The opening words of this text are these: “Then, when he had left.” The reference is to Judas, who had gone to finish his negotiations with the high priest to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Satan had entered into him, and Judas became a tool of Satan.

On other occasions, Jesus had cast out demons and released the one who was in bondage to that demon or demons. This time Satan took so complete control of Judas that there seemed to be something of a release after he left, because then Jesus said, “Now, the Son of man is glorified. And God will glorify Him very shortly.” God will do it.

There is the area of conflict where love must be clarified. You see, it appears as though Jesus was distressed, oppressed, by the fact that Satan had taken over one of His disciples. It was not until he had gone that Jesus could say, “Now is the Son of man glorified.

 Then He further said to the disciples, “I am going away, and you cannot come.” There was a kind of conflict as well, between where He was going and where the disciples would be. We must somehow respect that dif­ference, “You cannot come”. But we must know what the conflict is, and we must keep our love clear. Conflict is one area calling for love to be clarified.

The need is found in The Area of Conformity.

Jesus said, “I am giving you a new commandment. I want you to love one another as I have loved you.” I am quite certain there must have been a difference. Jesus was presenting to them a much higher level of love than they had ever experienced among themselves. He had demonstrated it, exemplified it, and symbolized it in this chapter when He washed their feet and then said to them, “What I have done to you, you ought to do to each other.”

In the light of His actions, He said to them, “A new commandment I am giving you, that you love one another as I have loved you.” He then explained the result, that such love would create a new condition. All men would then know they were His disciples because of the love that they had for one another.

I apologize, I confess before God that too many Christian people have not lived up to the ideal that Jesus gave them. It has been a scandal that pro­fessed disciples have not loved each other like Jesus had loved us. Here is the area of conformity, conforming our love to be like His love. Our love needs to be clear. It is really not possible to have this kind of love until one is truly His disciple. That is the area of conformity, to be like Him because we belong to Him.

The proof of that love is expressed in The Area of Commitment.

Jesus said, “You can’t go now.” Peter said, “Well, why can I not go now? Where are you going?” Jesus answered, “You can’t come now, but you will come later on.” And then Peter had a tremendous aspiration. He said, “Why can’t I come now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.”

Oh, what an aspiration that was for Peter! But Jesus gave Him a sober, solemn revelation: “The cock shall not crow until you have denied me three times.” Peter had just said, “I will lay down my life for Thy sake.” Jesus responded, “You will? Here’s what you really will do: you will deny me three times.” Well, Peter had quite an aspiration, but his aspiration evaporated when Jesus told him what he would really be doing.

In the area of commitment, my friend, our love needs to be clear, absolutely clear. Our frailty often breaks out, and we find that we can’t do what we would like to. That was Peter’s problem in the area of commitment.

Thus, Jesus clarified love in three areas: conflict with the enemy, conformity to the Lord, and commitment to loyalty.

I urge you, my friend, to find such love in Jesus.

We have just finished our study from John chapter 13. The titles from this chapter have been Love Symbolized, Love Exemplified, Love Petrified, and today’s Love Clarified. Obviously, the theme has been love. This theme, more than any other, is what sets the teaching of Jesus apart.

Jesus is our example, and we strive to love like Jesus. More than any other single factor, His love is what sets Jesus apart, first how he taught us to love and second how he showed us love. Here we are about 2,000 years later, and there are literally millions who would die for him because His love has changed their life. I hope this love has also changed your life.

Today we learned that we should love each other like He loved us. When we love each other with love like this, those who don’t know Him will be drawn to Him. Sacrificial love is powerful, and all of us long for relationships where such love is practiced. Unfortunately, many times, we fail, and our love is imperfect. When our love is imperfect, we can depend on His perfect love for forgiveness. As we experience His forgiveness, it motivates us. We want to show others that love to others and love like He loved us. Through our imperfections and in our brokenness, His love shines through. This is the love that is so amazing and so attractive!

There is another aspect of His love worth thinking about. This teaching was and continues to be revolutionary. It is found in Matt 5, Jesus said, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Imagine hearing this for the first time. How is this possible? Why would anyone do this? Jesus, are you serious? Yet this is exactly what Jesus did. He showed us clearly how to live like this. This is extreme. He did not say, don’t fight; instead, he asks us to fight with love. Put away the guns, put away the bombs, forget the fists and harsh words. Try loving your enemy. This is what Jesus taught. Talk about revolutionary!

We hope you have enjoyed these topics on love. Let’s make it our goal to become like Jesus in our love, in our love for God and in our love for each other. As you model His love, those around you will notice and want what you have. This is awesome, Love the lost into His church. God bless you as you model Jesus’ revolutionary teaching on love.

My friend, was this teaching helpful? If you’d like a copy, either in print or on an audio CD, just contact us and ask for it by the title. Or log onto our website, heraldsofhope.org.

The quickest way for you to connect with us is to send an email to [email protected]. That email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or an audio CD of this teaching. We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our Bible Study Guide, Hope Herald. It follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we’re studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. Our email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember; you can request a free copy of this teaching. It’s available in print or on an audio CD. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study in John.

And don’t forget our Bible teaching programs are available to you all the time and any time at the website, heraldsofhope.org.

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Pastor J. Mark continues our study from John’s Gospel. You won’t want to miss it. And until then, keep looking to Jesus; He’ll give you hope for today!

Love Petrified

John 13:21-30

Hello friend, and welcome to Hope for Today. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope. We’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week our Bible teaching broadcasts circle the globe in English and 22 other major languages. Tens of thousands tune in each week for spiritual nourishment and blessing.

But radio ministry is just one part of what we do at Heralds of Hope. We also distribute Bibles and literature. And our newest publication is called Hope Herald. It’s a study guide designed to complement the teaching you’ll hear on this broadcast. We would be happy to send a copy of this study guide to you if you just write and ask for it. Stay tuned and I will give you the contact information at the end of the program.

In today’s teaching from John 13, we see the cold heart of Judas Iscariot. We wonder how Judas could have been so close to Jesus and yet so far away. We ask the same question about the Pharisees; how could they see all Jesus did and want Him to kill him because of it? Unfortunately, Judas and the Pharisees were not the first ones to respond this way. Since the fall, we see people coming face to face with the truth and rejecting it. David shows us the opposite, a soft heart. Confronted with truth he said, “I have sinned.” May God help us have a heart that is soft and open to truth.    

Picture a burning candle. When you hold a piece of bread above the flame, it becomes hard and brittle. Now picture holding another candle above the flame. It immediately begins to soften and drip. The flame is like the truth. The truth does not change; the basis of truth is the nature of God. Thankfully there is no chance that will ever change. The effect of the flame on one object is to harden, and another object is softened. Our hearts are similar.

Some people hear the truth and are convicted and repent; others will hear the truth and become bitter and cold. We wonder how Judas and the Pharisees could have missed Him, yet according to Romans 1, all of us are “without excuse.” We all can see God in His creation. No one has good reasons to reject God.

Yet there are still those who do. Some insist there is no God, and we are here by chance. They say we came from nothing, and we return to nothing. They hold to this line despite the mounting evidence to the contrary. Science is showing us incredible things about His intricate creation. The evidence points to a creator and a master plan. How can someone see and know this and still walk away from Him? This is like the bread in the flame; their hearts are hard and brittle.

This makes us ask, how can we make sure this is not us? What must we do to have a soft heart? How can we be like the candle and be soft toward truth? I believe II Thessalonians 2:10 gives us the answer. We must have a love for truth. Truth, in this case, is so much more than rules or written documents. To love the truth is to love Jesus; he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Loving the truth is loving Jesus. Loving Jesus is saying yes to Him.

Those who are saying “Yes” to Jesus will not reject Him. You cannot love Him and ignore what He says. Saying “Yes” to Him is living for and with Him every day. If Judas and the Pharisees would have loved Jesus, the story could have been much different. Instead, their interaction with the truth caused their hearts to become cold. Today when you hear truth, don’t harden your heart. Instead, love the truth and grow in your relationship with Him. 

Now, here’s Pastor J. Mark with today’s teaching.

Some substances, when they become cold, become very hard. To become pliable, they must be warmed. Certain pre­cious metals, like gold and silver, have a low melting point compared to steel. We are told that a dead tree under proper conditions will petrify, become like rock. After that, it has no function, no particular use, except a museum piece.

Now, even in our human relations, sometimes love gets cold and hardens. It loses its warmth. Even love toward God can cool off and get somewhat hard. Here in John 13:21-30, we have demonstrated for us what happened when Love Petrified.

21. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

22. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

23. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

24. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spoke.

25. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

26. Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

27. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

28. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spoke this unto him.

29. For some of them thought because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

30. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

Our Lord gave several WORDS which show us how love can be petrified.

Love hardens under The Piercing Word.

I want you to reflect upon what Jesus said, “One of you shall betray me.” Can you create the picture in your mind? Can you see Jesus with His twelve disciples; those who had been closest to him; those who had heard all His teachings; those whose feet He had just washed to demon­strate His endless, matchless love? Those were the ones that were gathered with Him now at the table when He said, “One of you shall betray me.”

One of you, He said. They had not yet known what that meant. It must have pierced each one of them to the heart, “One of you shall betray me.” That is a piercing word; it is a word that cuts to the quick, cuts deep in the heart. That’s one word from Jesus to demonstrate how love can petrify.

When the piercing word revealed a betrayer, there had to follow The Identifying Word.

John, who was lying on Jesus’ bosom, asked the question, “Who is it, Lord?” Of course, they wanted to know. Jesus had made it specific enough that one of them was going to do this awful deed. And John said, “Who is it, Lord? Tell us who it is.”

Now watch how Jesus answered. He said, “He it is, to whom I will give the morsel when I have dipped it?” I understand from reading the Jewish encyclopedia that the observance of the Passover had in it the dipping of a morsel of bread, then eating it as some symbol of the deliverance from the land of Egypt.

Jesus, as the host of that Passover feast, took this morsel and dipped it, and gave it to Judas Iscariot. Now he was marked out by the identifying word, “He it is to whom I shall give the morsel when I have dipped it.”

I don’t see any other conclusion to draw but that the love Judas may have had suddenly hardened; it was petrified. Jesus’ identifying word brought it into the open when He gave the morsel to Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son. That was the identifying word.

What followed was not a happenstance, for Jesus gave The Commanding Word.

We are informed in this text that as soon as Judas had received the morsel, Satan entered into his heart. Then Jesus said, “Whatever you do, do it quickly,” do not hesitate; the time has now come for you to act.

This may well have been brooding in Judas’ mind. Earlier in John’s Gospel, we learn that Judas was the one who said, “Why was not this sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor?” That was when Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with that precious box of ointment. You see, he must have been brooding over this for some time.

Now Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” It was not clear to the others. We would think that they should have now understood what Jesus was predicting, pointing out to them, and giving the command that it be accomplished. It was clear to Judas because the Bible tells us here that he went out immediately. He went out into the darkness of the night.

There is something rather foreboding about that. Here was a man whose love had petrified. When Jesus said, “Do it quickly,” he went out into the night. The darkness of the night surrounded him.

Thus, in this experience of Judas, love petrified. It hardened; it lost its warmth. Now Jesus’ words show us how that can be possible: it was the piercing word, “One of you”; it was the identifying word; “He it is to whom I will give the morsel when I have dipped it”; and it was the commanding word, “Do it quickly.”

My friend, love needs to be kept alive. Don’t let your love die or petrify. Even in this, Jesus loved him. And He loves you.

Was this teaching helpful? If you’d like a copy, either in print or on an audio CD, just contact us and ask for it by the title.

The quickest way for you to connect with us is to send an email to [email protected]. That email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or an audio CD of this teaching. We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our Bible Study Guide, Hope Herald. It follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we’re studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. Our email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember; you can request a free copy of this teaching. It’s available in print or on an audio CD. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study in John.

And don’t forget our Bible teaching programs are available to you all the time and any time at the website, …. heraldsofhope.org.

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Pastor J. Mark continues our study from John’s Gospel. You won’t want to miss it. And until then, keep looking to Jesus; He’ll give you hope for today!

John 13:12-20

Hello friend, and welcome to Hope for Today. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope. We’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week our Bible teaching broadcasts circle the globe in English and 22 other major languages. Tens of thousands tune in each week for spiritual nourishment and blessing.

If you’ve been listening regularly, you know that we are currently studying in the Gospel of John. So, here’s Pastor J. Mark to lead us in our continuing study.

Have you ever watched someone working, and it looked so simple and so easy? Every move seemed to count, and the material was easily brought together. Then did you ever try to do what they were doing and found that when you tried it, it wasn’t so easy? Because you did not actually know how. That’s the reason. If you had been shown how, it would have been much easier.

Usually, there are instructions for any job that you might undertake. There are certain ways to do certain jobs. It’s often much better though if you have someone to show you how, more than just looking at instructions or trying to find and figure out your own way.

Now Jesus’ love to the disciples was to the utter­most. But to show the disciples what He meant, He washed their feet. He symbolized love. The washing was the sym­bol of His forgiving, cleansing love freely offered to them all.

Now, let’s see how this portion, John 13:12-20, will illustrate for us LOVE EXEMPLIFIED.

12. So, after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13. Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

18. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

19. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.

20. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

We must follow closely the TEACHINGS of Jesus to see how love is exemplified.

Jesus gave them The Comforting Supposition.

He said, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. He must have paused, then continued, “Since I am your Lord and Master, and I have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”

That’s what I call a comforting supposition. You call me Master and Lord, and I have exemplified my love to you. So, you are to exemplify your love as I have done to you. I want you to catch the full impact of that word ought, as Jesus said it. “You ought also to wash one another’s feet. As I have done, so you ought to do.”

That is a powerful word, ought. Now don’t dilute it, my friend. Don’t dodge it! Just take it as Jesus gave it. “You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. Since I am your Master and Lord, you ought to wash one another’s feet as I have washed ~yours.”

I am trying to point out to you that surpassing love goes beyond what seems to be reasonable. So, Jesus washed their feet and exemplified His love.

And then Jesus gave them The Careful Stipulation.

He is the model. He said, “As I have done, so you should do.” He led the way; He showed them. Now carefully notice the words of Jesus which followed. He said, “The servant is not greater than his master; nor the one who is sent greater than he who sent him.”

We ought to know something about that, surely. The master is always the responsible person. When the master gives instruction to the servant, the servant should do what he is asked to do. In some ways, we have much to learn of that these days, don’t we? But it is always true, and Jesus said it emphatically.

That’s what I call a careful stipulation. The one who follows the instructions of the master is going to be a happy person. He promised, “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” This teaching is the care­ful stipulation to exemplify love, His kind of love.

Jesus climaxed His teaching about love with The Cutting Specification.

He tells them of an exception. He said, “I know all of you, and I know that not all of you are with me.” “Not all,” He said. I wonder how that betrayer must have felt when Jesus began to point him out. He said, “The one who has had his hand on the table to eat bread with me is going to lift up his heel against me.” I wonder how he must have felt. I call that a cutting specification.

Then Jesus gave them some hope with a prediction, “Now I tell you before it comes, so that, when it is come to pass, you will know that I am he.” I am constantly impressed with the foreknowledge of Jesus: how He was able to understand what was before. We often say that we can understand better when we look back than when we look ahead. So, Jesus made the prediction so they would understand clearly that He was the One.

But I want you to notice right at the end of our Scripture text how Jesus put it, “He who receives whom­ever I send receives me. And he who receives me receives him who sent me.” Isn’t that beautiful? That unifica­tion, that connection, so clearly set forth. But here is the teaching in a cutting specification to exemplify love. Jesus pointed it out beforehand to give hope and assurance.

Love is exemplified by Jesus’ comforting supposition, the disciple should be like his lord; the careful stipu­lation, the servant is not above his lord; and the cutting specification, the betrayer is responsible to his lord. Surely that is surpassing love.

Where do you find yourself in this situation?

Our teaching started by asking if we have ever seen someone doing a job and making it look easy? Then when we attempt to do the same work, it is much harder than it looks. Think about this question and our passage here in John 13. Many times, when we are called to lead, it is harder than it looks. Jesus shows us how to do it right; He shows us how to be a servant leader.

We may not all think we are leaders, but all of us have others who are looking up to us. You are being watched by somebody; they see you as a leader. So how are you leading? What is the example you are setting, and how can we lead like Jesus?

When we find ourselves in a leadership position, there are many ways to mess up and get it wrong. We become proud of our position, or we make demands that are not reasonable on those we are leading. Being a servant leader is harder than it looks. However, it is God’s way, and we know God’s way is always the best way. 

Think about the attitude Jesus had toward His disciples. He was their Master, yet he served them, he washed their feet. What Jesus teaches us about leadership is the opposite of how the world looks at leaders. Many times, we see leaders as someone who is served. Every wish and desire of the leader is met by others. The leader is the one being served.

Jesus takes this idea and turns it upside down. He tells us in Matthew 20:26, “whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” To Jesus being a big leader is being a big servant. Think about the difference it would make if all leaders would have this attitude? That would make a big difference in many areas. Now just imagine if all of us who know Jesus would begin leading like Jesus. This would be truly amazing!

We can’t control the way others are leading, but we can start with ourselves; actually, we must start with ourselves. Look at your attitude as a leader and ask Jesus to help you have His view of leadership. Instead of asking others to serve us, we need to look for ways to serve others. This goes against our flesh; we would rather be served than serve.

Yet this is what living for Jesus is all about. Instead of doing what we want and following the desires of our flesh, we surrender to His Lordship. When we are presented with a choice, we follow Him and do things His way! Following Jesus and leading like he leads means doing things His way every chance we have.

Leading well and doing it right is one of those things that is harder than it looks. Thankfully Jesus has modeled it for us, and with his help, we can get it right. In this passage, He shows us how to be a servant leader. So, as we walk with Him, he guides us: he helps us fight our flesh and lead like He would.

My friend, was this teaching helpful? If you’d like a copy, either in print or on an audio CD, just contact us and ask for it by the title.

The quickest way for you to connect with us is to send an email to [email protected]. That email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or an audio CD of this teaching. We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our Bible Study Guide, Hope Herald. It follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we’re studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. Our email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember; you can request a free copy of this teaching. It’s available in print or on an audio CD. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study.

And don’t forget our Bible teaching programs are available to you all the time and any time at the website, heraldsofhope.org

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Pastor J. Mark continues our study from John’s Gospel. And until then, keep looking to Jesus; He’ll give you hope for today!

Hello friend, and welcome to Hope for Today. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope. We’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week our Bible teaching broadcasts circle the globe in English and 22 other major languages. And why do we teach from the Bible? Because the Bible is the only source of lasting hope. It is God’s Holy Word.

You know as well as I do that we can’t rely on the words of men because men change. Think of all the unkept promises people make, maybe even specific promises to you personally. But God is unchanging, He keeps His promises. The Psalmist, David, said in Psalm 119:89, “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in Heaven.” You and I can depend on God’s Word.

             Because God’s Word is unchanging and reliable, we share this teaching with many people around the world in different languages in both audio and print. And we receive many testimonies of lives that have been transformed by the power of the Gospel. If this program touches your heart and life, we’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned, and I’ll give you our contact information at the close of the program.

            Now, here’s Pastor J. Mark with today’s teaching.

Many years ago, an Englishman affirmed, “Love is the greatest force in the world.” But long before that, the Apostle Paul wrote what has been called the greatest dissertation on love. It is recorded in I Corinthians 13. Paul concluded his dissertation with these words, “And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

A listener once wrote to me to tell me he had discovered a whole new body of literature when he read the New Testament. As he read the Gospels, he saw that Jesus is the True Love. The great golden text of the Bible is still true, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

I want to talk to you about LOVE SYMBOLIZED from John 13:1-11. This is probably one of the most misunderstood acts of Jesus.

1. Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

2. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.

3. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God.

4. He riseth from supper and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7. Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

11. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

From this text we shall see the several SITUATIONS in which Jesus symbolized love.

The first Situation Jesus used a perfect setting: The Occasion.

It was the feast of the Passover. It was an important feast given to Israel by the Lord when they came out of Egypt in the time of Moses. It commemorated their Exodus from Egypt. It was to be kept perpetually. Actually, the observance of the Passover commemorated the salvation of the first-born son. In every family that carefully obeyed the instructions, the first-born was delivered from death.

The Passover was observed in Jesus’ day. In fact, He first observed the Passover in Jerusalem when He was twelve years of age. We read in the Gospel of Luke that Jesus went with Joseph and Mary and others from Nazareth to Jerusalem to observe the Passover when He was twelve.

Now in John 13 Jesus is observing the Passover for the last time before He was crucified. As the occasion is introduced, John, by the Holy Spirit, states that Jesus loved His own which were in the world, and He loved them unto the end. I want to explain that for you. I noticed in my Greek New Testament that the phrase, to the end, is eis tetos. That means to the uttermost, to the end of love, as far as love could go.

So, He put water into a basin. It was a ceremonial washing when He would normally, as governor of the Passover, wash His hands. But He began to wash the disciples’ feet. The occasion was the celebrating of the saving of the first-born from death in the bondage of Egypt.

Jesus went from one to another of His disciples reclining about the Passover meal, coming last to Peter.

The second Situation: The Objection.

Peter made a strong objection. He said, “You are not going to wash my feet.” It was a washing procedure and Jesus was washing the disciples’ feet, but Peter objected very strenuously when He came to him.

I think Peter must have been the last of the twelve disciples as Jesus had washed their feet. He very emphatically said, “You are not going to wash my feet.” Then Jesus answered, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me.

Now notice Peter’s response. When he understood that the washing was absolutely necessary, then he said, “Not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” Yes, Peter then was very anxious that he should have complete fellowship with Jesus.

The objection was overridden. He had first said you’ll never do it. Then he said to do it well, thoroughly, “Wash not only my feet, but also my head and my hands.”

Then Jesus gave the third Situation: The Orders.

Here’s the third situation. He said, “Once you have been bathed, or cleansed, all you need then is to wash the feet in order to be clean.” The symbolism of this, of course, can be taken to the times in which Jesus lived. They had the central bathhouse in the village or the town. To prepare for the Sabbath Day, for example, the Jewish men would go to the bathhouse and bathe. After they had walked home, they would wash their feet, and then they would be clean. Jesus said, “Once you have been cleansed, then all you need to do is wash the feet.”

I want you to notice that Jesus was here symbolizing real cleansing, the cleansing of His love. I just showed you from the first verse that Jesus loved His own unto the uttermost. And Jesus symbolized His love by washing their feet. Even the one who was not clean. He told Peter, “You are clean, but not all,” because He knew which one was going to betray Him. So, He said, “You are not all clean.”

This washing was not to cleanse the feet. It was to symbolize forgiving, cleansing love for them even to the uttermost. His love was enough to take them all in, forgive them all, varied as they were. Even the one who would betray Him, Jesus was willing to cleanse. Now that’s what I call surpassing love.

Can you imagine, Jesus, the Son of God, washing your feet? You might say like Peter, “NO, that’s not right, it’s backwards. He’s the Creator of all and He is washing the feet of His creation, a human! The creature, the human should be washing His feet.” And, in a sense, you’re right.

But let me tell you something; He did much more than wash the disciples’ feet. He literally laid down His life for them on the cross. He died so they might have eternal life. But it wasn’t just for them. He did it for you and me and all people, in the past, present, and future.

What Jesus was really demonstrating to us in this scene is how to serve those we love. And some Christ-followers today still follow the example Jesus gave in this text. When they commemorate the Lord’s Table, they also wash the feet of their brother or sister as a way of saying, “I am here to serve you in any way I can. I am willing to even lay down my life for you.”

And in doing this they remember the words of Jesus, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

But you will never be able to love others like that until you first learn to love Jesus. I urge you to accept His love today.

My friend, was this teaching helpful? If you’d like a copy, either in print or a digital file, just contact us and ask for it by the title. Or log onto our website heraldsofhope.org.

The quickest way for you to connect with us is to send an e-mail to [email protected]. That e-mail address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or a digital file of this teaching. We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our Bible Study Guide, Hope Herald. It follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we’re studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. Our email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember; you can request a free copy of this teaching in print or a digital file. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study in John.

And don’t forget our Bible teaching programs are available to you all the time and any time at the website, heraldsofhope.org.

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Pastor J. Mark continues our study from John’s Gospel. You won’t want to miss it. And until then, keep looking to Jesus, He’s our hope for today and for every day!

This series by Dr. J. Otis Yoder has been re-recorded by J. Mark Horst.

Hello friend, and welcome to Hope for Today. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope. We’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week our Bible teaching broadcasts circle the globe in English and 22 other major languages. Tens of thousands tune in each week for spiritual nourishment and blessing. Thousands are tuning in each week to receive spiritual nourishment and blessing. We receive many exciting testimonies of people who have come to faith in Jesus by listening to the programs.

If you’re tuning in for the first time today, we are currently being led through the Gospel of John by the teaching of our Radio Pastor, J. Mark Horst. In a few moments, he’ll be here to teach us, but before he does that, let’s pray.

Gracious God our Heavenly Father, we come to you in the precious name of Jesus. It is alone through Him that we have access into your holy presence. His blood, shed on the cross at Calvary, is the only sacrifice that is acceptable to you to wash away our sin.

And now, Father, as Pastor J. Mark comes to teach us from the Word, open our hearts to receive your truth. This I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

A certain captain in the Roman Army once had a dear servant who was sick. When the captain heard that Jesus was coming to his town, he sent some of the Jewish leaders to ask Jesus to heal the sick servant. As the Lord came near the house the captain sent friends to tell Jesus how he felt completely unworthy that Jesus should come to his house. He said, “For I am also a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it” Luke 7:8.

Jesus was surprised at the captain’s words, and He said, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” You see, the captain knew what it meant to be sent. He also knew what it meant to issue orders to his men. He expected each one to obey and do what he was told. Anyone who has been sent should do what he has been sent to do.

In the highest order of authority, we see JESUS – THE SENT ONE. His birth was not an accident of history. He was the Sent One. He knew He came for a reason. He spoke different times of His hour not being as yet. Then He spoke on other occasions that the hour had come. He spoke of being sent by the Father. From the Biblical record in the Gospels, we must conclude His life was under divine direction. God was directing His life. This becomes evident in the text of this message in the Gospel of John 12:44-50.

44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

45. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

48. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

49. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

50. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

From these words of Jesus, I set forth several basic STATEMENTS for an understanding that Jesus is The Sent One.

The first Statement: There is the Light of Faith.

Some things cannot be reasoned out. Some experiences in life are beyond our reason. They must be believed. Jesus said, “He who believes on me does not believe only on me, but he also believes on him who sent me.”

We are not asked to abandon our thought. We are only asked to harness it, to bring it into proper focus so what we believe is what we ought to believe. And there is the light of faith. It is beyond reason. By faith, the Bible says, we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God.

Now, we cannot understand this in any other way. There’s only one way that we can understand the origin of the universe. By faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God. You see, there is the light of faith.

The light of faith in Jesus is to connect with faith in God. Here then is a basic statement: there is the light of faith.

One of the great church fathers years ago by the name of Tertullian once said, “I believe because it is ridiculous.” He was saying, because I cannot reason it out I will, therefore, accept it by faith. There is the light of faith.

The second Statement: There is the Locus of Judgment.

Now, every judgment must rest upon some fact. The judge must know the law. He cannot create the law as he goes. He must relate his decision and judgment to existing law, what has been written and what has been practiced. There is the locus of judgment.

It is so in our courts of the land. It is so, also, in the courts of God. Divine judgment also rests upon fact. Jesus said, “It rests upon my words.” He said, “I did not come to judge, I came to save the world.” At the same time, He said, “The words that I have spoken, they will judge you in the last day.”

Surely it is true: His words are saving words. But His words are also judging words. So He said the locus of judgment rests on His words. There is a definite connection between His word and the final day of judgment, my friend. Isn’t it wonderful that He has told us beforehand so that we can understand how to prepare for that appearance in the court of God?

Here then is a basic statement. There is the locus of judgment: His Words.

There is then that third Statement: There is the Line of Authority.

Many claims have been made for final and divine authority. But there is only one that is absolutely true and sure. It is the claim of Jesus which He made here. He said, “I have what I have from the Father. I understand his commandment and his commandment is everlasting life. I am saying what I am saying because he has told me.”

You see, there is a direct connection, a direct line of authority. The claim that Jesus made is absolutely correct. He was God in the flesh. He was the Sent One. He did and said what He was to do and say. He came to bring everlasting life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

There is the line of authority. As God in the flesh, He was the Sent One. He had a direct connection with the Father. He understood what God the Father wanted Him to do. And He did it. Here then is another basic statement: there is the line of authority right to God the Father. Jesus is the Sent One.

You will have a fuller understanding of Jesus as the Sent One by accepting these statements. There is the light of faith, Praise God! There is the locus of judgment; we know His Word beforehand. There is the line of authority right to God the Father. Jesus is the Sent One.            

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that you have sent your Son, Jesus, into the world to be our Savior. We know that when He came to earth, His own people didn’t receive Him. But to as many as did receive Him, to them He gave the right or privilege to become His very own children. How wonderful!

I pray right now for my friend who is listening to my voice, that he or she might come to a better understanding of Jesus as the sent One. He came to give us the light of faith, so we could believe in Him and in the Father. He came, as God in the flesh, to show us what You are like. So, bless my friend as he considers the claims of Jesus on his life. And help him to choose to follow Him and walk in His joy and peace. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

My friend, I remind you of Jesus’ words. He said, “He who believes on Me, believes not only on Me, but on Him who sent Me.” In other words, He was saying, “if you believe on Me then you also believe on My Father, God.” You see, God and Jesus are inseparable. You can’t say you believe in God and reject Jesus; that doesn’t work. If you reject Jesus, that’s proof that you really don’t believe in God. And the reverse is also true.

Now, perhaps you’re considering coming to Jesus, but you have some questions about Him. If you contact us with those questions, we would be happy to answer them from the Bible, God’s Holy Word. So, listen carefully now as Arlin gives you a variety of ways you can contact us.

My friend, was this teaching helpful? If you’d like a copy, either in print or a digital file, just contact us and ask for it by the title. Or log onto our website heraldsofhope.org.

The quickest way for you to connect with us is to send an e-mail to [email protected]. That e-mail address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or a digital file of this teaching. We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our Bible Study Guide, Hope Herald. It follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we’re studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. Our email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember; you can request a free copy of this teaching in print or a digital file. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study in John.

And don’t forget our Bible teaching programs are available to you all the time and any time at the website, heraldsofhope.org.

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Pastor J. Mark continues our study from John’s Gospel. You won’t want to miss it. And until then, keep looking to Jesus, He’s our hope for today and for every day!

This series by Dr. J. Otis Yoder has been re-recorded by J. Mark Horst.

Hello friend, and welcome to Hope for Today. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope. We’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week our Bible teaching broadcasts circle the globe in English and 22 other major languages. Tens of thousands tune in each week for spiritual nourishment and blessing.

But radio ministry is just one part of what we do at Heralds of Hope. We also distribute Bibles and literature. And our newest publication is called Hope Herald. It’s a study guide designed to complement the teaching you’ll hear on this broadcast. We would be happy to send a copy of this study guide to you if you just write and ask for it. Stay tuned and I will give you the contact information at the end of the program.

Now, here’s Pastor J. Mark with today’s teaching.

In wisdom, God made us so we can think. Our minds are wonderful machines. We can store many different ideas in our minds. We are told there is no limit to what we can learn if we set our will to learn it.

Our minds are so made that we can receive or reject an idea. The reason is our wills control our minds. Because of this fact, we should carefully examine every idea or thought to make sure it is true before we accept it to store in our minds.

When we are examining an idea, we often ask questions in order to evaluate it. That is a good way to make sure of the truth of what we are considering.

I want to discuss JESUS – THE SON OF MAN. People in Jesus’ day often had questions about Him. They knew what Moses had written. They understood the Bible. But their teachers had given them additional teaching which didn’t always correspond with what Jesus was doing or teaching. This raised doubts like men have today. They really many times wanted to know. But those doubts were serious barriers.

John 12:34-43 gives some insights about recognizing Jesus.

34. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

35. Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

36. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

37. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

38. That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

39. Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

41. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spoke of him.

42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

From our text, I wish to expose several BARRIERS which often keep people from seeing Jesus – the Son of Man.

The first Barrier: The Darkness of Mind.

Didn’t you hear Jesus say, “Walk while you have the light, because when you are in the darkness you cannot see?” There’s a real danger in the darkness of the mind. It keeps us from seeing the relations of truth. It is very depressing. And it is very confining.

But Jesus spoke about light. Light shows the way. Jesus urged, “Walk while you have the light.” He said, “I am the light of the world. He that follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” Where there is light, darkness is dispelled. It is driven away.

But I want you to feel what Jesus was talking about in the darkness of the mind. When men are compassed by their own willful ignorance, the darkness of the mind is most oppressing and most distressing. Jesus calls our attention to that barrier of seeing Jesus as the Son of Man.

Now, don’t let the darkness of your mind keep you from seeing Jesus as He truly is.

The second Barrier: The Blindness of the Heart.

The evidence was clearly there. He had done many miracles. But even though He had done many miracles, they did not believe on Him. The evidence was there. They had seen His miracles. They had heard His teachings. But they refused to believe, and that refusal led to terrible blindness.

The Prophet Isaiah spoke of this as Jesus quoted from Him. He said, “Who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?” It had been revealed. They did see it. They knew that Jesus had performed more miracles than anybody else had. But they refused to believe. That is what I have called blindness of the heart. And it is an awful blindness. When there is sight, truth can be perceived. But when there is blindness, truth cannot be perceived.

Don’t let blindness of the heart keep you away from Jesus. The evidence is there. He performed the miracles. Now, open your eyes and see. Don’t let the blindness of the heart keep you from Jesus.

There is a third Barrier: The Praise of Men.

That pressure is very hard. It comes upon people and moves them to improper action. Just to be well received by those around us is often a very serious barrier. It was so in this case. Many believed, we are told. But they would not confess Him because they loved the praise of men more than they loved the praise of God.

Yes, this is a solid barrier, even today. It will stop you and turn you aside just because you want the acceptance of your neighbors, your friends, people in high places. You too, are not willing to confess Him because you love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Where concern is found, proper action will follow. So I appeal to you, do not let the praise of men keep you from Jesus.

These barriers need not keep you from seeing Jesus as the Son of Man. But they are serious barriers: the darkness of the mind; the blindness of the heart; and the praise of men.

In their place, you can have light so you can see where you are going. You can have sight so you can understand the truth. You can have the joy of knowing that you belong to Jesus. He is the Son of Man. Why not come to Him now?          

My friend, the invitation that Jesus gave to people to know Him when He was here on earth is still valid. It’s an invitation that doesn’t go out of date.

However, I must tell you, this invitation won’t last forever. It will end at one of two points; either at your death or at the time when Jesus returns for His Bride, the Church. And no one knows when either of those events could happen.

You and I have no promise that we will live to see tomorrow. So many things in our world can happen to snatch away our physical life. A couple years ago my wife was diagnosed with cancer, and we didn’t know how that would affect the length of her life. We are grateful to God that her cancer is in remission, but many people lose their lives to this dreaded disease.

And Jesus Himself told us in the Bible that He doesn’t even know when He will be coming for the Church. And when He returns, it will happen suddenly, without a lot of warning. That means you better prepare now, while you have the time.

Many a person has said, “Oh, I’ll accept Jesus’ offer of salvation, but I’m not ready yet. Maybe later.” But later never came for them. Either their life ended suddenly and tragically, and they had no chance, or they hardened their heart against the working of the Holy Spirit.

You see, if you think you can decide to follow Jesus when you want to, you’re missing an important factor. Jesus said in John 6:44, “No man can come to me unless the Father, who has sent Me, draws him.” In other words, if you reject the call of God or the drawing of the Holy Spirit when it comes, He may, at some point stop calling. When that happens, it’s too late. And you will be lost for all eternity. That is a terrible fate Jesus doesn’t want you to experience, and neither do I. So, please, accept His offer of salvation today.

Perhaps you’re considering coming to Jesus, but you have some questions about Him. If you contact us with those questions, we would be happy to answer them from the Bible, God’s Holy Word. So, listen carefully now as Arlin gives you a variety of ways you can contact us.

My friend, was this teaching helpful? If you’d like a copy, either in print or a digital file, just contact us and ask for it by the title. Or log onto our website heraldsofhope.org.

The quickest way for you to connect with us is to send an e-mail to [email protected]. That e-mail address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or a digital file of this teaching. We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our Bible Study Guide, Hope Herald. It follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we’re studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. Our email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember; you can request a free copy of this teaching. It’s available in print or a digital file. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study in John.

And don’t forget our Bible teaching programs are available to you all the time and any time at the website, heraldsofhope.org.

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Pastor J. Mark continues our study from John’s Gospel. You won’t want to miss it. And until then, keep looking to Jesus, He’s our hope for today and for every day!

This series by Dr. J. Otis Yoder has been re-recorded by J. Mark Horst.

Hello friend, and welcome to Hope for Today. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope. We’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week our Bible teaching broadcasts circle the globe in English and 22 other major languages. Tens of thousands tune in each week for spiritual nourishment and blessing.

If you’ve been listening regularly, you know that we are currently studying in the Gospel of John. So, here’s Pastor J. Mark to lead us in our continuing study.

Because we live in this world of people our lives are influenced by others. By that, I mean changed or directed. In some areas those changes come in ways we do not understand, and at times we do not even know we are being affected. Later we learn how a friend helped us be a better person. It may take months for us to understand what happened or how it happened.

It may also be that someone we have never known or met may influence our lives by the way other people have been changed by knowing that person. Every week by radio I can talk to my friends in many lands. Hopefully, our time together helps them become better people.

Above what we can do to help each other there is One who can influence all of us as we come to know Him. We can say He has influenced more people than anyone else.

Do you say, “No, I have not been affected by him in any way?” But, my friend, Jesus has influenced your life. He has influenced your community. He has influenced your family, more than you are aware of. I can show you how this happened from John 12:20-33.

20. And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

21. The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

22. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again, Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

23. And Jesus answered them, saying, the hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

24. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

25. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

26. If any man serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serves me, him will my Father honor.

27. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

28. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

29. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, an angel spoke to him.

30. Jesus answered and said, this voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

31. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

32. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

33. This he said, signifying what death he should die.

In this Scripture, I find those PARTICULARS which should lead us to see Jesus as the One for All.

The first Particular: The Sincere Desire.

This was expressed by some Greeks who had come to worship. They had come from a distant land to Jerusalem. Their wish was to see Jesus. How had they learned about Him? Of course, people everywhere were talking about Him. There was continual conversation about this man who moved among them as a teacher, as a miracle worker, and as the King of Israel.

These men from Greece came to Philip and made a request of him, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” Philip and Andrew brought these Greeks to Jesus. There was a sincere desire.

That is very important right now in your life. Wouldn’t you like to see Jesus? Wouldn’t you like to know Him? These Greeks had a sincere desire to see Jesus and the disciples brought them to Him.

The second Particular: The Serious Decision.

As they came to Jesus, He began a brief lecture. He said a grain of wheat, in order to bear more grain, must fall into the ground and die. As long as it does not fall into the ground and die it simply abides alone.

The secret of multiplication of a grain of wheat is for it to die so the plant can come up and bear fruit. Jesus said that is the way it is in your life and mine. The person who wants to save his life loses it. The person who would lose his life shall save it. In other words, a person must be somewhat like that grain of wheat. A person must give up to gain.

He said, “If any man serves me, he must follow me.” He further said, “If you follow me then you’ll be with me where I am, and you’ll have the honor of the Father.” That is a serious decision. When you look around you may see all kinds of attractive conditions. As long as you want to hang on to your life you will abide alone, you will be without fruit. Once you are willing to give up, then you can gain.

It makes a great deal of difference which way you go. The serious decision has to do with following Jesus.

There is a third Particular which I have called, The Specific Designation.

Jesus prayed and asked the Father to save Him from that hour. He knew He had perfect understanding as to the purpose of His coming and what it was all going to mean. So after He had prayed, He then said, “But for this cause came I unto this hour.”

I see what Jesus is telling these Greeks and these disciples. He is going to be like the grain of wheat, fall into the ground, give up to gain. And there is no other way. This is the specific designation.

Jesus went on to say then, “When I am lifted up I will draw all men unto me.” From this statement, I gather a very significant point. Jesus is affirming that He is the only One. He is the One for all. His death is the only way. That is very specific. And Jesus points this out to us.

The cross is more than a way to die. Hundreds of people died on crosses during the Roman period. His was the only cross of specific designation. He said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.”

That cross was more than a place to die, I reflect. It was a means to life. For as a grain of wheat fell into the ground it died to bear fruit. That designation which Jesus made still holds today. It’s the same today as when He spoke it.

From this account then, we must conclude, Jesus is the One for all. No one else will do. I come to you and emphasize and urge you, do what the Greeks did: ask to see Jesus. Then do what Jesus said: decide to follow Him. Then accept what Jesus affirmed: the lifted-up way.

How do you accept it? You accept it by believing that when He died on the cross, He died for you. He said, “When I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.

Have you been drawn to Jesus? Are you curious to know more about Him? If you are, then the Holy Bible is the place to find answers. The Bible records the earthly life and ministry of Jesus, just like we saw in this text today. It shows us who He is and how He responds to those who want to know more about Him.

In this Easter season, we commemorate the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And even though Jesus is no longer physically present on earth, His Holy Spirit is here to continue His work. In fact, just shortly before His death, He told His followers how important it was that He should return to His heavenly Father.

In John 16, Jesus said; “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”

So, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Helper or the Comforter. And He is here to help you understand that Jesus is the one for all. As you read the Holy Bible, God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of your understanding so that what you read will make sense. But you must have a heart that genuinely wants to know the truth.

Let me pray for you now. Gracious God, Creator and sustainer of the world and everything in it. We bow before you in awe and worship. We confess that it is alone through Jesus, your Son, that we have access into your presence. His death, burial, and resurrection has made full provision for our salvation and eternal life.

I pray for my friend who is listening, that he or she will have a desire to know you. And not only the desire, but the reality of knowing you personally. May your Holy Spirit draw them to yourself today, I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

My friend, was this teaching helpful? If you’d like a copy, either in print or a digital file, just contact us and ask for it by the title. Or log onto our website heraldsofhope.org.

The quickest way for you to connect with us is to send an e-mail to [email protected]. That e-mail address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or a digital file of this teaching. We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our Bible Study Guide, Hope Herald. It follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we’re studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. Our email address is [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember; you can request a free copy of this teaching. It’s available in print or a digital file. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study in John.

And don’t forget our Bible teaching programs are available to you all the time and any time at the website, heraldsofhope.org.

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Pastor J. Mark continues our study from John’s Gospel. You won’t want to miss it. And until then, keep looking to Jesus, He’s our hope for today and for every day!

This series by Dr. J. Otis Yoder has been re-recorded by J. Mark Horst.

“Jesus is King”

John 12:12-19

Hello friend, I’m J. Mark Horst, your host and I welcome you to Hope for Today. The program you’re listening to is produced by Heralds of Hope, we’re an international Gospel media ministry. Each week the Bible teaching broadcasts of Heralds of Hope circle the globe in English and 21 other major languages. Thousands are tuning in each week to receive spiritual nourishment and blessing.

If you listen to this program regularly, I’m alerting you to expect some changes to our programming in the next several weeks. At Heralds of Hope, we are a growing and changing ministry. We are expanding our audience, we are adding new personnel, and we are updating our content. Eventually, you will hear a new musical intro to the program as well as some other cosmetic changes. But one thing that won’t change is our commitment to teaching God’s Word!

That’s because the Bible is the only source of lasting hope. It is God’s Holy Word. You know as well as I do that we can’t rely on the words of men because men change. Think of all the unkept promises people make, maybe even specific promises to you personally. But God is unchanging, He keeps His promises. His Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Psalmist, David, said in Psalm 119:89, “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in Heaven.” You and I can depend on God’s Word.

Because God’s Word is unchanging and reliable, we share this teaching with many people around the world in different languages in both audio and print. And we receive many testimonies of lives that have been transformed by the power of the Gospel.

Here’s a testimony from a young woman in India who listens to our Hindi language programs. Here’s what she wrote, “I am a long-time listener to your radio programs. My family members do not like me to have any Christian fellowship. They always oppose me going to church. But I continue to go to the church for fellowship.

In October 2021, I requested prayer for my nephew who was admitted to the hospital in very serious condition. He had fever and stomach pain. Your team prayed for his healing with much burden. After two days my nephew was out of danger and discharged from the hospital. I thank and praise Jesus Christ for His grace and mercy.”

What a wonderful testimony to the power of God and the power of prayer. We’re so grateful that we can encourage this young woman through our programs.

Now, here’s Dr. Yoder with today’s teaching, “Jesus is King.”

Rulers of countries claim their authority. They believe they have the right to rule. And they do, but under the sovereign rule of Almighty God. The Bible explains plainly by the Prophet Daniel that God sets up and puts down whom He wills in the kingdoms of men.

Many students of the Bible examine the life of Jesus and see only His works in the miracles He performed or His teachings in the words that He spoke. There is more, much more, to Jesus of Nazareth than His works or His words. In the purpose of God Jesus came as a King, the King of Israel.

In Matthew’s Gospel we read that when the wise men came from the East in search of Him they asked Herod, the king in Jerusalem, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” Were you to take the time to research it, you would find that His birth has all the qualities for His kingship.

Several times during His teaching career, the crowds would have supported any claim He might have made for the crown. On one occasion, at least, they were about to crown Him, but He refused.

In John 12:12-19 we have an experience that is quite the opposite. On this occasion Jesus accepted the applause of the crowd.

12. On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

13. Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

14. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

15. Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

16. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

17. The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

18. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

19. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

From these verses I can establish the AFFIRMATIONS of His kingship.

I do so first By the Procession of the People.

Our Scripture informs us that the people, when they heard that Jesus was coming, prepared a procession. They went out to meet Him waving branches of palm trees. What is the significance of branches of palm trees? Branches of palm trees always signified victory. Earth rulers, warriors, generals when they came back from a victorious campaign marched into town bearing palm branches. Palm branches in this procession meant victory.

Then there was a proclamation that the people used. They cried, “Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.” The word Hosanna means “Save now!” Here it was a kind of exaltation, a glorifi­cation, a word of praise to Jesus. They cried, “Blessed is the King of Israel,” and added “who comes in the name of the Lord.”

So by the procession of the people, we have the affir­mation established, He is King. But there is more.

The second affirmation is By the Prediction of the Prophet.

There’s a quotation here from the Prophet Zechariah. He predicted this exact event six centuries before Christ. Jesus found a young ass, a donkey, and sat upon it fulfilling the prediction of the Prophet which reads, “Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.”

By the prediction of the Prophet, we establish the affirmation that He is King. What the Prophet predicted, Jesus did.

There was also the witness of the disciples. They did not understand what they were doing until it was all over. Afterward, after Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, then they remembered that they had done these things to Him.

You see how the prediction of the Prophet fits right in here? Jesus came to fulfill all that the prophets spoke about Him. That’s really wonderful! Jesus is King by the prediction of the Prophet.

The third affirmation is By the Proof of the Pharisees.

The people who saw Him and who welcomed Him to the Holy City, the capital of Israel, bore witness. They believed on Him. The miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead assured them that here is the King of Israel.

I will also call your attention to the fact that the opposition admitted that there wasn’t much they could do. They said among themselves, “You see, the world has gone after Him.”

Ah yes, my friend, even today many people follow Jesus. They are recognizing Him, all that He claimed to be and all that was ascribed to Him. Even these of the opposition acknowledge that He is more than just a man among them. Yes, Jesus is King.

These affirmations have never been set aside. The people acclaimed Him the King of Israel. The Prophet pre­dicted Him to be the King of Israel referring to the daughter of Zion. The Pharisees admitted Him to be King when they said, “The whole world is gone after him.”

Now, my friend, what do you do about Him? Those who lived when He lived on earth said He is King. What do you do about Him?

CLOSING

My friend, was this teaching helpful to you? If so, you can request a copy of it either on an audio CD or in a printed script. Just ask for it by the title, “Jesus is King.”

The quickest way for you to contact us is to send an e-mail to [email protected]. That e-mail address is [email protected]. Or you may write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember, you can request a printed manuscript or an audio CD of this teaching, “Jesus is King.” We’d be happy to send one to you.

And when you contact us, you can request our newest publication, Hope Herald. It is a study guide that follows these radio programs and will help you learn more about what we are studying from John’s Gospel. So, ask for your free copy of Hope Herald today.

Here’s the contact information again. The quickest way to reach us is by at this address; [email protected]. Or write to Hope for Today, Box 3, Breezewood, Pennsylvania 15533. Remember; you can request a free copy of this teaching, “Jesus is King.” It’s available in print or on an audio CD. And you can also request a free copy of our newest publication, Hope Herald. It will help you gain more value from our study in John.

And don’t forget about the changes that are coming to our programming in the next several weeks. At Heralds of Hope, we are a growing and changing ministry. We are expanding our audience, we are adding new personnel, and we are updating our content. Eventually, you will hear a new musical intro to the program as well as some other cosmetic changes. But one thing that won’t change is our commitment to teaching God’s Word!

Now, I urge you to tune in next week as Dr. Yoder continues our study from John’s Gospel. And until then, I urge you to keep looking for that blessed HOPE.