Today’s reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in verses twenty-two through forty-two of the tenth chapter. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbers up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But the that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them” (John 10:1-6). “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleets: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleets, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father” (John 10:7-18). “There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, he hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:19-21).

“And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the decimation, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came then Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believe not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But yew believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave then me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blaspheme; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Then Jesus answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; say ye of him, whom the Father hath scarcities, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, and went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there” (John 1:22-42). When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the continuation and conclusion of the tenth chapter. In order to truly understand the words which are found in this particular passage of Scripture, however, I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to turn and direct your attention to the words which are presented in the previous chapter. If you turn and direct your attention to the ninth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find that more often than not Jesus’ greatest dialogues presented in this gospel come directly on the heels of some of His greatest miracles and greatest works. Upon reading the words which are found in this gospel you will find that the words which we find in the tenth chapter are intrinsically linked and connected to that which is found in the ninth chapter. There is absolutely no denying or disputing the incredible truth that the words which we find here in this passage of Scripture are directly related and connected to the words which are found in the ninth chapter and the miracle which Jesus completed in the life of the man who was born blind. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this particular truth for while the gospel narrative written by the apostle John is entirely and altogether Jewish centric it is also centered upon the great provocation Jesus’ miracles did in the midst of the Jews. Although at the very heart of this particular gospel is the city of Jerusalem and the Jewish feasts which the Jews celebrated during those days we must needs recognize and understand the great miracles and works which the Lord Jesus did and how they provoked the Jews—and not only the Jews but also the Pharisees and the scribes to offense, to anger, to jealousy and even to hatred, anger, rage, persecution and seeking to kill and put to death Jesus Himself. I firmly believe that when you read the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you must needs acknowledge within your heart and mind the miracles which the Lord Jesus did during those days. It would be in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find the miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It would be within this New Testament gospel narrative written by John we find the miracle of the healing of the nobleman’s son. Not only this but within this gospel you will find the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda who was lying in one of the five porches who had an infirmity for thirty and eight years. Moreover it would be in this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish. As if this weren’t enough you will also find the miracle of the giving of sight unto the man who had been born blind. What’s more is that this isn’t even taking into consideration the miracles which the gospel written by the apostle John refers to which aren’t even recorded here in this gospel. There are multiple occasions within this gospel when you read of the many miracles which the Lord Jesus did during those days which caused many to believe on Him and receive Him as the Christ and the Son of the living God. There is not a doubt in my mind that when we read the words found in this passage of Scripture we have to acknowledge the various miracles which the Lord Jesus during those days and how the miracles which Jesus performed would indeed provoke the Jews to jealousy, to offense, to rage, to anger—and not only to anger but also lead them to persecute Jesus and even seek to put Him to death. In fact it would be in the fifth, seventh and even the eighth and tenth chapters where this language of the Jews seeking to put to death the Lord Jesus is indeed found and mentioned by the apostle John.

Oh I am absolutely convinced that if you want to truly understand the words which are found in the tenth chapter of this New Testament gospel there is a great need to read and consider the words which are found here in the gospel beginning with the second chapter. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this gospel concerning the miracles which the Lord Jesus did during those days and how those miracles would cause some to believe in Him and many to receive Him as the Christ while those same miracles would indeed cause many of the Jews to be offended with the person of the Lord Jesus and even seek to kill Him. Beginning in the second chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we must needs consider the following miracles which the apostle recorded concerning the Lord Jesus performing during those days which would indeed bring men and women into a powerful place of decision—that place of whether or not they would believe in Him and whether or not they would receive Him. Having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this New Testament gospel narrative beginning with the second chapter and the miracle of the turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee:

“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they barge it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew now whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him” (John 2:1-11).

It is within this passage of Scripture we find the first of the miracles which the Lord Jesus did which manifested His glory that men might believe in Him and receive Him as the Son of the living God. What we must needs recognize and understand is that when you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you can and will encounter the tremendous truth concerning the beginning of the miracles which Jesus would indeed perform. It’s absolutely astonishing to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and consider how absolutely incredible it is how the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee was the beginning of miracles which Jesus did that manifested His glory and caused many to believe on Him. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the final verses of the second chapter which not only speaks to perhaps the greatest miracle which Jesus would perform—a miracle which Jesus Himself wouldn’t perform Himself but rather that which the Holy Spirit would work within Him, which was the resurrection from the grave. Beginning with the eighteenth verse of the second chapter of this gospel you will find the following words concerning the continuing of the miracles which the Lord Jesus would perform:

“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this I temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men. And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:18-25).

It is in the eleventh verse of the second chapter we read of the “beginning of miracles” which Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and how He manifested forth His glory. What’s more is that it is in the eleventh verse of the second chapter we read how as a direct result of the miracles which Jesus did and how He manifested forth His glory His disciples believed on Him. In the twenty-third verse of this same chapter you will find the apostle John writing of Jesus in the city of Jerusalem and how many believed in His name “when they saw the miracles which he did.” Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it brings us face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding the miracles which the Lord Jesus would indeed during those days. It would be during those days the Lord Jesus would indeed do and perform many miracles—miracles which would cause many to believe on Him. While it was indeed true that the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee was the beginning of miracles which Jesus did that might show forth the manifestation of His glory there would be many miracles which He would perform during those days. In the twenty-third verse of the second chapter we find the apostle John writing how many in Jerusalem believed in His name when they saw the miracles which He did. With this being said we must needs consider the words which are found in the opening verses of the third chapter of the same gospel. It is in the third chapter of this New Testament written by the apostle John we find Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and a ruler among the Jews coming to Jesus by night. It would be during this exchange and encounter between Nicodemus the Pharisee and Jesus the eternal and only begotten Son of God the miracles and works which the Lord Jesus performed during those days would be mentioned once more: “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (John 3:1-2).

It is in the final verses of the second chapter of this New Testament gospel as well as the opening verses of the third chapter we find the mention of many miracles which the Lord Jesus did indeed perform during those days. While it is indeed true we read of how Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee there were many miracles and works which He would indeed do during those days. The apostle John continually and repeatedly suggests there were many miracles which the Lord Jesus did indeed perform and work during those days and how as a direct result of those miracles many would believe in His name. With this being said it’s important to recognize that in the final verses of the fourth chapter we find another miracle Jesus would work during those days—a miracle that would be on an individual level and an individual basis. It would be here in the final verses of the fourth chapter of this gospel we find and read of the healing of the nobleman’s son and how Jesus would indeed heal his son with a single word which was spoken from his mouth. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the fourth chapter of this gospel beginning to read with and from the forty-third verse:

“Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. ThenIt’s when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaean receipted him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee” (John 4:43-54).

There is a great need to pay attention to the words which we find in this passage of Scripture for not only do we find the reference to the miracles which the Lord Jesus did in the city of Jerusalem but we also find mention in this passage of Scripture the second miracle Jesus would do in Galilee when He would come out of Judaea into Galilee. It would be in the opening verses of the second chapter we read of the first of the miracles which the Lord Jesus would do in Cana of Galilee when He turned water into wine while in the final verses of the same chapter and the beginning of the third chapter we find reference to the many miracles which the Lord Jesus did within the city of Jerusalem. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when coming to the final verses of the fourth chapter of this gospel for in the fourth chapter we read how the Galilaean received him having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast for they also went unto the feast. These words suggest that while in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and in Judaea at the time of the feast Jesus did indeed do and perform many works and many miracles which were witnessed and beheld by the Jews. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for in the second, third and fourth chapters of this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find it mentioned how Jesus had worked and wrought many miracles in the midst of Judaea and in the midst of the city of Jerusalem at the time of the feast. In fact it would be the miracles and the report of miracles which were performed in Judaea and in the city of Jerusalem at the time of the feast that would be the catalyst for this nobleman to come out and seek to come unto Jesus on behalf of his son. It’s in this passage of Scripture we not only read of the Galilaean receiving Jesus having seen all the things He did at the feast in Jerusalem but we also read of the healing of the nobleman’s son—that miracle which would be the second miracle Jesus would do when He was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

The more you read the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John the more you can and will continue reading of the miracles which the Lord Jesus would perform—not only in the midst of the city of Jerusalem but also in Galilee. It is in the second and fourth chapter of this gospel we read of two distinct miracles which the Lord Jesus would do in Galilee altering coming out of Judaea into that region while it would be in the fifth and ninth chapters we read of two distinct miracles which the Lord Jesus would do in the city of Jerusalem. With this being said we must needs recognize that in the sixth chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John there would be a third miracle which the Lord Jesus would do in Galilee—namely the feeding of the five thousand using just five loaves of bread and two fish. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the opening verses of the fifth chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John concerning the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda who had an infirmity of thirty and eight years:

“After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a one time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus which had made him whole” (John 5:1-15).

The words which are found in this passage of Scripture are entirely and altogether incredible when you take the time to consider them for within it we find another miracle which the Lord Jesus would perform in Judaea—and not only in Judaea but also in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. The apostle John had referenced and alluded to many miracles and works which Jesus would do in the midst of the city of Jerusalem at the time of the feast and now here we find another feast of the Jews being celebrated by the Jews and how Jesus would perform another healing and miracle. It would be here in this particular passage we find Jesus healing a man who had an infirmity of thirty and eight years who lie in one of the five porches at the pool which was called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda. Oh there is something truly astonishing about the words and language we find within this passage of Scripture for if you read the fifth chapter in its entirety you will find that not only did the miracle Jesus performed provoke the Jews to persecuting Him and seeking to slay and put Him to death but even the very witness and testimony of the miracle would provoke the Jews. It is as you read the words which are found in t his passage of Scripture you will find this man himself provoking the Jews because he carried his mat on the sabbath day after being healed by the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Here in this passage of Scripture we find and read how Jesus would heal a man who had an infirmity for thirty and eight years and how He would command him to rise, to take up his mat and walk. Immediately the man would receive strength in his physical body, would rise from that place, would take up his mat and walk. Oh what we must needs understand is that it would be the carrying of the mat—the sign and witness of the healing which had taken place within his physical body that would indeed provoke the Jews for he would do so on the sabbath. As you continue reading the words found in this passage you will find that it was the carrying of the mat that would initially provoke the Jews while it would be Jesus’ healing on the sabbath and His professing that God was His Father that would provoke them all the more.

As you continue reading in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will not only read of the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand but you will also read of the many miracles which Jesus had performed on those who were diseased. It’s important when reading the words found in the sixth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John that we not only read of the many miracles Jesus would perform and work on the diseased but we also read of the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. Oh there is a great need for us to pay close and careful attention to that which is presented in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the miracles which the Lord Jesus would do on the diseased. What’s more is that within this passage of Scripture we not only find the miracles Jesus would do in the diseased but we also read of another miracle Jesus would perform—namely feeding five thousand from five loaves of bread and two fish. Not only would Jesus feed five thousand using just five loaves of bread and two fish but Jesus would feed them to the full until they were all satisfied. OH if there is one thing we must pay attention to when reading this passage it’s that when Jesus fed the five thousand He didn’t merely feed them that they might partake of the multiplied loaves of bread and fish and have a taste. I am very familiar with the invitation to taste and see that the Lord is good, however, in this passage of Scripture Jesus didn’t merely give the five thousand a taste of the five loaves of bread and the two fish which He would use to feed them. Here we find Jesus feeding them that they might all be fed to the full and satisfied for Jesus never feeds us merely to give us a taste that we might partake of His provision. When Jesus feeds us He does so that we might be completely and utterly satisfied and are fed to the full thus receiving strength and sustenance. How absolutely wonderful and incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth of how when Jesus feeds us He not only feeds us but also feeds us that we might be satisfied and filled. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the sixth chapter beginning to read with and from the opening verse:

“After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberius. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are thy among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world” (John 6:1-14).

In the sixth chapter of this New Testament gospel written by the apostle John—not only do we read of the miracles which Jesus would do on those who were diseased but we also read of Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand. It is in this particular chapter where we read of Jesus healing many which were diseased and how in the context of healing meany which were diseased Jesus would then feed them using five loaves of bread and two fish. If there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that not only would Jesus feed the five thousand, and not only would Jesus fill and satisfy the five thousand but there would also be twelve baskets full of the fragments which were left over after the miracle. Not only was there that which the five thousand would partake of that would fill and satisfy them but there would also be that which would be leftover and would fill twelve baskets. How absolutely incredible it is to consider the fact that not only were five thousand filled from the miracle of the loaves and fish but there were also baskets which themselves were filled. Not only were physical bodies filled with that which was produced from the miracle Jesus performed and wrought on this particular day but there would be twelve baskets which would also be filled from that which was leftover. What a truly incredible truth it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and to consider how not only did Jesus feed the multitude to the full but there were also enough leftovers to fill twelve baskets full of the fragments. Jesus would on this particular day feed five thousand that they might be filled and satisfied, however, He would also fill twelve baskets full of the fragments and leftovers which remained after everyone had been filled and satisfied. What a truly wonderful and powerful truth it is to consider how Jesus would not only feed five thousand to the full but Jesus would also fill twelve baskets full from that which those five thousand hadn’t eaten.

I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John and I am brought face to face with the tremendous and wonderful miracles which the Lord Jesus had indeed performed during those days. This miracle of the feeding of the five thousand would take place in the midst of Galilee which would essentially be the third miracle which the apostle John would specifically mention within this gospel. Thus far we would find the miracle of the water which was turned into wine, we find the miracle of the healing of the nobleman’s son and now we read of the feeding of the five thousand which were there in the midst of Galilee. In the fifth chapter of this same gospel we find and read of the miracle of the healing of the man who had an infirmity for thirty and eight years who was a long time in that case and in that place. It is with this in mind I call and invite you to consider the following words which are found in the ninth chapter of this gospel for it is in the ninth chapter where we read of another miracle the Lord Jesus would do in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. It would be in the ninth chapter of this gospel we find Jesus giving sight unto a man who was born blind—giving sight unto a man who had never seen the world around him a day in his life. It would be in the ninth chapter of this gospel we find the narrative and account of a man who was born blind and yet who was born with an appointed date for the manifestation of the works of God within his life and a personal encounter with the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and the works and miracles which He would do during those days as the Lord Jesus would indeed turn water into wine, feed five thousand with loaves of bread and fish, and would heal others. Oh the miracles presented within this gospel are not only miracles of healing within physical bodies but also miracles of feeding five thousand with loaves of bread and two fish and turning water into wine. Consider now if you will the following words which are found in the ninth chapter of this gospel beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse:

“And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing” (John 9:1-7).

Oh there is a great need for us to consider this miracle which Jesus would work on the man who was born blind and how Jesus would give sight unto him for this miracle would further demonstrate how the miracles themselves would provoke the Jews during those days. The more you read the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John the more you will find how the miracles which the Lord Jesus would work during those days would indeed provoke the Jews to anger, would provoke them to offense, would provoke them to persecute Him, would provoke them to seek to slay and destroy Him and would provoke them to seek to completely remove Him from their culture and society. This is something we must needs understand and recognize for more often than not it is the miracles and works of the Lord Jesus—and not only the miracles and works of the Lord Jesus but also the words which He spoke—which would provoke men and women to seek to completely remove and eradicate Him from the midst of their culture and society. If there is one thing we must needs understand and recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it is how the works and miracles the Lord Jesus did would indeed provoke the Jews to not only persecute Him but also seek to completely destroy and remove Him from their culture and society. The New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John wonderfully and powerful demonstrates the tremendous truth surrounding the truth of how the miracles and works which the Lord Jesus would provoke the Jews to anger, to jealousy, to offense, to animosity, to persecution and even to seek to kill and put Jesus to death. Having said all of this I find it absolutely necessary to now bring you face to face with just how the miracles which the Lord Jesus did during those days would provoke the Jews to offense, to anger, to animosity, and even to seek to completely eradicate and remove Him from their culture and society. I am absolutely convinced that when we read this New Testament gospel we see a powerful picture and glimpse of a culture and society that seeks to eradicate and remove Jesus from the midst of it. What’s more is that not only do we find and read of a culture which seeks to eradicate and remove Jesus from the midst of it but we also read how a culture and society will turn back and walk no more with Jesus. A the very heart of this gospel is the tremendous truth of men needing to make the decision with themselves whether or not they will believe in and receive the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It would be in the first chapter of this gospel where we find the apostle John writing how Jesus came into the world and the world knew Him not, how Jesus came unto His own and His own received Him not and how the Light came into the world but men loved darkness rather than the Light. Oh how absolutely incredible this gospel narrative written by the apostle John truly is for not only do we find a powerful picture of a culture and society which seeks to eradicate and remove the person and presence of the Lord Jesus from the midst of it but we also find a powerful picture of disciples of Jesus—those who previously walked with and followed Him—turning back and walking no more with Him. It is in t his gospel narrative we find and encounter the tremendous truth surrounding culture and society seeking to eradicate and remove the person of the Lord Jesus as well as disciples of Jesus turning back and walking no more with Him. It is in the sixth chapter of this gospel we don’t read of a culture and society seeking to remove and eradicate Jesus from the midst of it but rather disciples deliberately and intentionally turning back and walking no more with Jesus because of His words. At this particular point I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in this gospel beginning with the fifth chapter. It is in the fifth chapter of this New Testament gospel we encounter the tremendous truth surrounding the miracle of healing the man who had an infirmity for thirty and eight years at the pool of Bethesda provoking the Jews to not only persecute Jesus but also seeking to eradicate and remove Him from their culture and society. It is at this point I would like to call and draw your attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding just how much the miracles and works which the Lord Jesus would work and perform during those days would indeed provoke the Jews to offense, to anger, to rage, to animosity and to seek to eradicate and remove Him from their culture and society. What’s more is that it would be the response of the Jews to the works and miracles the Lord Jesus did which would be the foundation for much of the words and language that is found within this gospel. With the exception of the words which are found in chapters thirteen through seventeen much of the words spoken and the language used by the Lord Jesus would be that which would provoke the Jews to offense, to animosity and to hatred of the person of the Lord Jesus. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the fifth chapter after Jesus had healed the man who had an infirmity for thirty and eight years and after He had revealed and made Himself known unto this man. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with and from the sixteenth verse of the fifth chapter after the Jews had learned that it was Jesus who healed this man and commanded him to take up his mat on the sabbath day: “And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine won will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness o fame, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:16-47). It is quite obvious when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture how Jesus’ healing of the man would initially provoke the Jews and would be the underlying reason they sought to persecute and slay Him. With this being said we must needs recognize that while it was indeed Jesus’ healing of this man who had an infirmity for thirty and eight years it would be His professing God as His Father for by doing so He would make Himself equal with God. The words and language we find here in this passage which Jesus would speak unto the Jews would be a direct response to their not only persecuting and seeking to slay Him but also seeking to kill Him. Here in this passage of Scripture we find the first witness and account of the miracles and works which Jesus did provoking the Jews during those days to not only persecute Jesus but also seek to eradicate and remove Him from their culture and society. This is something we must needs understand for within and throughout this gospel we not only find a powerful contrast between those who believed in and received the person of the Lord Jesus and those who would make the decision not to but we also find powerful accounts of those who would seek to eradicate and remove Jesus from the culture and society. Jesus would indeed turn water into wine, Jesus would indeed cleanse the Temple, Jesus would feed five thousand with loaves of bread, Jesus would heal many of the diseases which were present in their physical bodies and yet the Jews during those days still sought to persecute the person of the Lord Jesus—and not only persecute Him but also seek to remove Him from their culture and society. I find it absolutely necessary to continue drawing your attention to how the miracles and works which the Lord Jesus would perform during those days would provoke the Jews. What’s more is that within this gospel we not only find a powerful picture of the works and miracles which the Lord Jesus provoking the Jews but we also find His words provoking them as well. In the fifth chapter of this gospel we find the miracle of healing this man who had an infirmity for thirty and eight years on the sabbath provoking the Jews initially. What would continue to provoke them and cause them to seek to remove Him from their culture and society would be Jesus’ declaration and profession that God was His Father which would indeed make Him equal with him. It would be Jesus’ healing of this man who had the infirmity for thirty and eight years and Jesus’ declaration that God was His Father that would so anger and outrage the Jews that they would seek to destroy and remove Him from their culture and society. With this being said we must needs consider the following words which are found in the sixth chapter of this New Testament gospel as it presents us with a completely different and unique picture—a picture not of Jews seeking to destroy and remove Jesus from culture and society but rather the disciples of the Lord Jesus turning back and walking no more with the person of the Lord Jesus. In the sixth chapter of this gospel we are brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding Jesus’ words and how they would indeed provoke His own disciples who believed in Him and who walked with Him so much so that they would turn back and walk no more with Him. It is in the sixth chapter where we find a powerful witness and picture of what can and will also take place within our culture and society during these days. I am absolutely convinced that when we read the gospel narrative written by the apostle John we encounter and come face to face—not only with a culture and society that seeks to remove Jesus from the midst of it but also with a picture of many of the disciples of the Lord Jesus turning back and walking no more with Him. I believe that this gospel presents a truly captivating picture of what can and will take place in our culture and society during these last days in this generation as culture and society will not only seek to destroy and eradicate Jesus from the midst of it but also as many of the disciples of Jesus can and will turn back and walk no more with Him. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the sixth chapter beginning to read with and from the twenty-second verse: “The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereunto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberius nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed” (John 6:22-27). “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, he gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from haven; b it my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and give them life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I say unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man cane come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore hath hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat Mann in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread, which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, how can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum” (John 6:22-59). “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not,a nd who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:60-65). “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:66-71). There is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words presented in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to what I believe characterizes our society and culture during this generation. I am absolutely convinced that what we find within this gospel presents us with a picture of a culture and society that not only seeks to remove and eradicate Jesus from the midst of it but also one which cannot believe in Him nor receive Him. We dare not and must not miss that which we see in this passage of Scripture for if you want to truly get a powerful glimpse of what is present within our nation today—and not only within our nation and not only within our culture and society but also within many of our churches—you need focus on what the apostle John presented unto us. In the fifth chapter of this gospel we find the Jews persecuting and seeking to slay Jesus because He had healed on the sabbath as well as seeking all the most to destroy and kill Him because He professed God as His Father thus making Himself equal with God. In the sixth chapter of this gospel we encounter the impact of Jesus’ words on His disciples—those who walked with Him—and how His words would indeed offend many within the depths of their heart and soul. We dare not and must not miss that which is presented in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with a culture and society which despises and rejects Jesus and seeks to eradicate and remove Him from the midst of it and many disciples who are offended with Jesus and choose to walk with Him no more. Within this passage of Scripture we encounter what I believe is a truly powerful picture of what is taking place and what has taken place among us within our culture and society, within our nation and within many of our churches. What’s more is that when you come to the seventh chapter of this gospel you will find an even greater picture of what is taking place and what has taken place among us within this generation, culture, society and even within our churches. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the seventh chapter beginning to read with and from the tenth verse: “But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought him in the feast, and said, Where is he? And there was much murmuring among the people concerning Him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, nay; but he deceiveth the people. Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews” (John 7:10-13). “Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, how knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own gloroyt: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you. Keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Then said some of them of Jerusalem, is not this he, whom they seek to kill? But lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. Then cried Jesus in the temple, as he taught, saying, ye both. Know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. And many of the believed beloved on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which t his man hath done? The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? Will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come” (John 7;14-36). “IN the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the pRophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him” (john 7:37-44). “Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee raiseth no prophet” (John 7:45-52). As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call your attention to the words found here in this passage of Scripture. It is here in this passage of Scripture we find something else which I believe powerfully describes our culture and society during this generation. What’s more is I would dare say that what we find here in this passage also describes that which is found and present within many of our churches. In the forty-third verse of this passage we find the apostle John writing how there was a division among the people because of Him for some believed that He was the Prophet while others believed that He was the Christ. This is important for us to recognize and pay attention to for here in this passage we find a wonderful description of our culture and society today and how there is indeed a division among the masses. There are indeed those who have believed in and have received the person of the Lord Jesus while there are others who have despised, rejected and even abhorred Him thus choosing not to believe His words nor His works. If there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that the works Jesus wrought and the words which He spoke were indeed powerful tools and instruments in the hands of the living God to draw a clear distinction between the people. Within this New Testament gospel we do in fact see a culture and society which sought to eradicate and remove Jesus from it and we do in fact see a picture of many of His disciples turning back and walking no more with Him. With this being said we also see another picture presented here in this gospel—namely a picture of the division which was present in the midst of the scribes and Pharisees as well as a division in the midst of the people. It is absolutely impossible to read the words found in this gospel and not encounter the tremendous truth surrounding this division and how there were many who believed in and received the person of Jesus but how there were even more who despised, rejected and abhorred Him. In the final verses of the ninth chapter we find Jesus declaring that it was for judgment He came into the world that those which saw might not see and that those which see were made blind. When the Pharisees heard these words they would ask and respond to Jesus, saying, “Are we blind also?” It would be in response to this Jesus would declare, “If ye were behind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” It is necessary for us to recognize and pay attention to the words found in this passage of Scripture for it sets the tone and stage for what we read in the tenth chapter. It would be in the opening verses of the tenth chapter we find Jesus declaring that those who enter not by the door into the sheepfold but blimp in some other way—the same are thieves and robbers. Conversely, however, Jesus goes on to declare that He who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. It is unto him the porter opens and the sheep hear His voice and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When the shepherd puts forth his own sheep He goes out before them and the sheep follow Him for they know His voice. Jesus would go on to declare that a stranger will they not follow but will flee from him for they know not the voice of strangers. What is truly astonishing about this passage of Scripture is that Jesus spoke this parable in the company and presence of the learned and the studied and they understood not what He was speaking unto them. Oh if there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s the unique relationship of the sheep to the shepherd for Jesus sets forth a powerful picture of the sheep. It is within this passage of Scripture Jesus reveals how the sheep “hear His voice” how the sheep “follow him,” how “a stranger will they not follow but will flee from him” and how “they know not the voice of strangers.” What’s more is that Jesus goes on to describe concerning the sheep that all who came before Him were thieves and robbers but His sheep—His true sheep—did not hear them. If there is one thing we must pay close and careful attention to when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s not only the role of the shepherd but also the relationship of the sheep to the shepherd. There is a great need for us to recognize and understand concerning the sheep that the sheep know the voice of the shepherd and the sheep will follow Him because they know His voice. Moreover Jesus goes on to describe of the shepherd that He calls his own sheep by name, that He leads them out and how He goes before them. Perhaps the single greatest truth we must needs understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture is how they describe those who believed in the name of the Lord Jesus and did in fact receive Him. The words and language we find in this passage of Scripture calls and draws our attention to the relationship the sheep have to the shepherd and how the sheep are those who know their name and who know to follow the true shepherd who goes before them. What we find here is a powerful picture of what is needed within these last days in this culture, generation and society—namely sheep who know the voice of the Shepherd, sheep who hear the voice of the Shepherd, sheep who will follow the Shepherd and sheep who have discernment within themselves to not follow a stranger nor who will even entertain the voices of strangers. Jesus declared that He was [and still is] the good shepherd and knows His sheep and am known of His. Oh that we would be a people who would truly recognize and understand that Jesus is indeed our great Shepherd who not only knows and calls us by name but also speaks to and calls unto us that we might follow Him. Perhaps the question we can and must needs ask ourselves is whether or not we are those who can and will follow the voice of the Shepherd that we might indeed be those who walk with and follow Him.