My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 17:1-26

Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ

Keep reading, keep studying, keep believing. The word of God is true.

1 These things spake Jesus, and lift up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, that hour is come: glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee,

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to all them that thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal, that they know thee to be the only very God, and whom thou hast sent, Jesus Christ.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

5 And now glorify me, thou Father, with thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

6 I have declared thy Name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy word.

7 Now they know that all things whatsoever thou hast given me, are of thee.

8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and have believed that thou hast sent me.

9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me: for they are thine.

10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them.

11 And now am I no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy Name, even them whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are.

12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy Name: those that thou gavest me, have I kept, and none of them is lost, but the child of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

13 And now come I to thee, and these things speak I in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

14 I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou keep them from evil.

16 They are not of the world, as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them with thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou didst send me into the world, so have I sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes sanctify I myself, that they also may be sanctified through the truth.

20 I pray not for these alone, but for them also which shall believe in me, through their word, (a)

21 That they all may be one, as thou, O Father, art in me, and I in thee: even that they may be also one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory that thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, as we are one,

23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.

24 Father, I will that they which thou hast given me, be with me even where I am, that they may behold that my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

25 O righteous Father, the world also hath not known thee, but I have known thee, and these have known, that thou hast sent me.

26 And I have declared unto them thy Name, and will declare it, that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them, and I in them.

(a) Editor’s thought - in short their word is the New Testament. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 16:1-33

Good morning, and greetings in the Name of Christ our Savior

1 These things have I said unto you, that ye should not be offended.

2 They shall excommunicate you: yea the time shall come, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doeth God service.

3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

4 But these things have I told you, that when the hour shall come, ye might remember, that I told you them. And these things said I not unto you from the beginning, because I was with you.

5 But now I go my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

6 But because I have said these things unto you, your hearts are full of sorrow.

7 Yet I tell you the truth, It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, that Comforter will not come unto you: but if I depart, I will send him unto you,

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. (a)

9 Of sin, because they believed not in me:

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye shall see me no more.

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit, when he is come which is the spirit of truth, he will lead you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, shall he speak, and he will show you the things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath, are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and show it unto you.

16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again a little while, and ye shall see me: for I go to the Father.

17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me, and again a little while, and ye shall see me, and, For I go to the Father.

18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we know not what he saith.

19 Now Jesus knew that they would ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves, of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

20 Verily, verily I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, and the world shall rejoice, and ye shall sorrow, but your sorrow shall be turned to joy.

21 A woman when she travaileth hath sorrow because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

22 And ye now therefore are in sorrow: but I will see you again, and your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy shall no man take from you.

23 And in that day shall ye ask me nothing. Verily, verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name, he will give it you.

24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my Name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

25 These things have I spoken unto you in parables: but the time will come, when I shall no more speak to you in parables: but I shall show you plainly of the Father.

26 At that day shall ye ask in my Name, and I say not unto you, that I will pray unto the Father for you:

27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

28 I am come out from the Father, and came into the world: again I leave the world, and go to the Father.

29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and thou speakest no parable.

30 Now know we that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee. By this we believe, that thou art come out from God.

31 Jesus answered them, Do you believe now?

32 Behold, the hour cometh, and is already come, that ye shall be scattered every man into his own, and shall leave me alone: But I am not alone: for the Father is with me.

33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace: in the world ye shall have affliction, but be of good comfort: I have overcome the world.

(a) Editor’s thought - this is to say that those who do not believe will be made to understand that they now face a choice to either accept Him, or reject Him, but they cannot say they are without knowledge OF Him.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 16:1-27

In the name of Jesus Christ I bid you greetings to all peoples, nations and tongues. 

I exhort you to continue reading, and studying God’s word, so that you are found ready and prepared for the return of His Son Christ Jesus. 

1 I am that true vine, and my Father is that husbandman.

2 Every branch that beareth not fruit in me, he taketh away: and everyone that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now are ye clean through the word, which I have spoken unto you. (a)

4 Abide in me, and I in you: as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am that vine: ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me can ye do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and withereth: and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they burn. (b)

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and it shall be done to you.

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, and be made my disciples.

9 As the father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue in that my love.

10 If ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love than this hath no man, when any man bestoweth his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth call I you not servants: for the servant knoweth not what his master doeth: but I have called you friends: for all things that I have heard of my Father, have I made known to you.

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye go and bring forth fruits, and that your fruit remain, that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my Name, he may give it you.

17 These things command I you, that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before you.

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also: if they have kept my word, they will also keep yours.

21 But all these things will they do unto you for my Name’s sake, because they have not known him that sent me.

22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they should not have had sin: but now have they no cloak for their sin.

23 He that hateth me, hateth my Father also.

24 If I had not done works among them which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen, and have hated both me, and my Father.

25 But it is that the word might be fulfilled, that is written in their Law, They hated me without a cause.

26 But when that Comforter shall come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth of the Father, he shall testify of me.

27 And ye shall witness also, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 3 - read John 13:10

(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 6 read Colossians 2:23

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 14:1-31

Greetings in the name of our Redeemer Jesus Christ

Friends, continue reading, so that you may continue to believe. 

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many dwelling places: if it were not so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there may ye be also.

4 And whither I go, ye know, and the way ye know.

5 Thomas said unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest: how can we then know the way?

6 Jesus said unto him, I am that Way, and that Truth, and that Life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

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 said unto him, Lord, show us thy Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus said unto him, I have been so long time with you, and hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me, hath seen my Father: how then sayest thou, Show us thy Father?

10 Believest thou not, that I am in the Father, and the Father is 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 is in me: at the least, believe me for the very works’ sake.

12 Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, he shall do also, and greater than these shall he do: for I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye ask in my Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (a)

14 If ye shall ask anything in my Name, I will do it.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever,

17 Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him: for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you fatherless: but I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world shall see me no more, but ye shall see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20 At that day shall ye know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them: is he that loveth me: and he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father: and I will love him, and will show mine own self to him.

22 Judas said unto him, (not Iscariot) Lord, what is the cause that thou wilt show thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

23 Jesus answered, and said unto him, If any man love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and will dwell with him. (b)

24 He that loveth me not, keepeth not my words, and the word which ye hear, is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

25 These things have I spoken unto you, being present with you.

26 But the Comforter, which is the holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my Name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, which I have told you. (c)

27 Peace I leave with you: my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor fear.

28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and will come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would verily rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for the Father is greater than I.

29 And now have I spoken unto you, before it come, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

30 Hereafter will I not speak many things unto you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nought in me,

31 But it is that the world may know that I love my Father: and as the Father hath commanded me, so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 13 read James 1:5

(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 23 read Revelations 3:20

(c) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 26 read Acts 1:5, 2:1-4, 14-18

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 13:1-38

To all people, all nations and all tongues, greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

As noted, there has been little commentary on my part. It is the Gospel that comments to you, read and believe. Yet bear in mind, that your reading is a writing as witnessed by St. John. Since the Word of God is true then like wise is his witness is also true, who recorded these words for all to read. It is by his writings, that we achieve faith, and faith is the basis for belief. 

Friends, understand that God calls the sinners to repentance, this is the primary message of all the Gospels, repentant, accept Christ as Savior, and be redeemed to God through His endless mercy and grace. 

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, forasmuch as he loved his own which were in the world, unto the end he loved them.

2 And when supper was done (and that the devil had now put in 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 forth from God, and went to God,

4 Heriseth from Supper, and layeth aside his upper garments, and took a towel, and girded himself.

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

6 Then came he to Simon Peter, who said to 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 it hereafter.

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

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

10 Jesus said 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.

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 am I.

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, even as I have done to you.

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

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

18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but it is that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me, hath lift up his heel against me.

19 From henceforth tell I you before it come, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe that I am he.

20 Verily, verily I say unto you, If I send any, he that receiveth him, receiveth me, and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.

21 When Jesus had said these things, he was troubled in the 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 one of his disciples, which leaned on Jesus’ bosom, whom Jesus loved.

24 To him beckoned therefore Simon Peter, that he should ask who it was of whom he spake.

25 He then as he leaned on Jesus’ breast, said 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 he wet a sop, and gave it to Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son.

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

28 But none of them that were at table, knew, for what cause he spake it 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 As soon then as he had received the sop, he went immediately out, and it was night.

31 When he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

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

33 Little children, yet a little while am I with you: ye shall seek me, but as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, can ye not come: also to you say I now.

34 A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

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

36 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 afterward.

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

38 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 have denied me thrice.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 12:1-50

Greetings and good morning in the name of our risen Savior Jesus Christ

Friends it is my prayer that you read and believe. Father, open the eyes, and ears of the reader today. Make their hearts ready for your word that they may come to know you. 

1 Then Jesus, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who died, whom he had raised from the dead.

2 There they made him a supper, and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of Spikenard very costly, and anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the savor of the ointment.

4 Then said one of his disciples, even Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him:

5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? (a)

6 Now he said thus, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bore that which was given.

7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying she kept it.

8 For the poor always ye have with you, but me ye shall not have always.

9 Then much people of the Jews knew that he was there: and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

10 The high Priests therefore consulted, that they might put Lazarus to death also,

11 because that for his sake many of the Jews went away, and believed in Jesus.

12 On the morrow a great multitude that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus should come 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 found a young ass, and sat thereon, as it is written,

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

16 But his disciples understood not these things 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, bare witness that he called Lazarus out of the grave and raised him from the dead.

18 Therefore met him the people also, because they heard that he had done this miracle.

19 And the Pharisees said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? Behold, the world goeth after him.

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

21 And they came to Philip, which was of Bethsaida in Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see that Jesus.

22 Philip came and told Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

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

24 Verily, verily I say unto you, Except the wheat corn 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 serve me, let him follow me: for where I am, there shall my servant be: and if any man serve me, him will my father honor.

27 Now is my soul troubled: and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but therefore 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 Then said the people that stood by, and heard, that it was a thunder: others said, An Angel spake 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 were lift up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

33 Now this said he, signifying what death he should die.

34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the Law, that that Christ bideth forever: and how sayest thou, that that Son of man must be lift up? Who is that Son of man?

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

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

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

38 That the saying of Isaiah the Prophet might be fulfilled, that he said, Lord, who believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

39 Therefore could they not believe, because that Isaiah saith again,

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

41 These things said Isaiah when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

42 Nevertheless, even among the chief rulers, many believed in him: but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be cast out of the Synagogue.

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

44 And Jesus cried, and said, He that believeth in me, believeth not in me, but in 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 in 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 refuseth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, it 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: the things therefore that I speak, I speak them so as the Father said unto me.

Editor’s thought - To my friend Jack Donato - does not Judas’ remark exemplify, what you touched on in one of your comments? Herein, Judas, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, faking Godliness, yet all the while being a covetous person. We are seeing more and more of the elect (in particular pastors and elders), turn away from God’s true word, and listening to the doctrines of men as it “seems right” in their eyes. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 11:1-57

Greetings in the Name of Christ

Friends in our studies over the last few days I’ve not made much comments, as it was impressed upon my mind, that the Gospel of John speaks for itself. Read and believe. 

Father, please open the eyes and ears of those who have yet to accept your grace and mercy through the sacrifice our your Son Jesus Christ. It only through Him can we reach You. Let the words of this gospel quicken their spirits and soften the hardness of their hearts, thereby allowing them to confess their sins, accept the Savior, and come into Your family as joint heirs in Christ. 

1 And a certain man was sick, named Lazarus of Bethany, the]town of Mary, and her sister Martha.

2 (And it was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest, is sick.

4 When Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus.

6 And after he had heard that he was sick, yet abode he two days still in the same place where he was.

7 Then after that, said he to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again.

8 The disciples said unto him, Master, the Jews lately sought to stone thee, and dost thou go thither again?

9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

11 These things spake he, and after, he said unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth: but I go to wake him up.

12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall be safe.

13 Howbeit, Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of the natural sleep.

14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

15 And I am glad for your sakes, that I was not there, that ye may believe: but let us go unto him.

16 Then said Thomas (which is called Didymus) unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

17 Then came Jesus, and found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

18 (Now Bethany was near unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off.) (a)

19 And many of the Jews were come to Martha and Mary to comfort them for their brother.

20 Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him: but Mary sat still in the house.

21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not been dead.

22 But now I know also, that whatsoever thou askest of God, God will give it thee.

23 Jesus said unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

24 Martha said unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead yet shall he live.

26 And whosoever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die: Believest thou this?

27 She said unto him, Yea, Lord, I believe that thou art that Christ that Son of God, which should come into the world.

28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

29 And when she heard it, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

30 For Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met him.

31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily, and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave, to weep there.

32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not been dead.

33 When Jesus therefore saw her weep, and the Jews also weep which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled in himself,

34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

35 And Jesus wept.

36 Then said the Jews, behold, how he loved him.

37 And some of them said, Could not he which opened the eyes of the blind, have made also, that this man should not have died?

38 Jesus therefore again groaned in himself, and came to the grave. And it was a cave, and a stone was laid upon it.

39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha the sister of him that was dead, said unto him, Lord, he stinketh already for he hath been dead four days.

40 Jesus said unto her, Said I not unto thee, that if thou didst believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because thou hast heard me.

42 I know that thou hearest me always, but because of the people that stand by, I said it, that they may believe, that thou hast sent me.

43 As he had spoken these things, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 Then he that was dead, came forth, bound hand and foot with bands, and his face was bound with a napkin. Jesus said unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

45 Then many of the Jews, which came to Mary, and had seen the things, which Jesus did, believed in him.

46 But some of them went their way to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

47 Then gathered the high Priests, and the Pharisees a council, and said, What shall we do? For this man doeth many miracles.

48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place, and the nation.

49 Then one of them named Caiaphas, which was the high Priest that same year, said unto them, Ye perceive nothing at all,

50 Nor yet do you consider that it is expedient for us, that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

51 This spake he not of himself: but being high Priest that same year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation:

52 And not for that nation only, but that he should gather together in one the children of God, which were scattered.

53 Then from that day forth they consulted together, to put him to death.

54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

55 And the Jews’ Passover was at hand, and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.

56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the Temple, What think ye, that he cometh not to the feast?

57 Now both the high Priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that if any man knew where he were, he should show it, that they might take him.

(a) Editor’s notation -  a furlong is equal to 0.125 miles. 15 X 0.125 = 1.875, so almost 2 miles 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 10:1-41

Good morning to all peoples in the name of Jesus Christ

Again it is said unto you; read and believe. Choose life, for our Creator wants all his children to come to repentance. (a) Enter in through the portal, the door that is Jesus Christ, and come to the Father, for through Him, and only Him can one come to our Creator. 

1 Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up another way, he is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that goeth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And they will not follow a stranger, but they flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily I say unto you, I am that door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me, are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am that door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in, and go out, and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and have it in abundance.

11 I am that good shepherd: that good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.

12 But an hireling, and he which is not the shepherd, neither the sheep are his own, seeth the wolf coming, and he leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 So the hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am that good shepherd, and know mine, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep.

16 Other sheep I have also, which are not of this fold: them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice: and there shall be one sheepfold, and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself: I have power to lay it down, and have power to take it again: this commandment have I received of my Father.

19 Then there was a dissension again among the Jews for these sayings.

20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad: why hear ye him?

21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil: can the devil open the eyes of the blind?

22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the [n]Dedication, and it was winter.

23 And Jesus walked in the Temple, in Solomon’s porch.

24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be that Christ, tell us plainly.

25 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.

26 But ye believe not: for ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me,

28 And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of mine hand.

29 My Father which gave them me, is greater than all, and none is able to take them out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

31 Then the Jews again took up stones, to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father: for which of these works do ye stone me?

33 The Jews answered him, saying, For the good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy, and that thou being a man, makest thyself God.

34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your Law, I said, Ye are gods?

35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God was given, and the Scripture cannot be [u]broken,

36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am the Son of God?

37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

38 But if I do, then though ye believe not me, yet believe the works, that ye may know and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

39 Again they went about to take him: but he escaped out of their hands,

40 And went again beyond Jordan, into the place where John first baptized, and there abode.

41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man, were true.

(a) Editor’s notation and thought - see verse 16. Read Ezekiel 18:22-23; 33:11

We, all of us, are His children, no matter where we’re from, what languages we speak. God knowing that man would divide himself into clans, tribes and eventually nations, seeks to bring all of his creations to redemption. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 9:1-41

To all peoples, greetings in the name of Jesus Christ

Friends, read and believe.  Take heart, and be of good cheer, and courage. Our Savior is returning.  Be ever watchful and prepared.  

However this study today, is more directed to those that believe in “a” god, but not the Living God, and have yet to accept Christ as redeemer. Do not tarry to make confession of your sins, and to receive the mercy and grace freely given to you by our Father.  I tell you now, that if you do tarry, God will not tarry. 

1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be showed on him.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (a)

6 As soon as he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and anointed the eyes of the blind with the clay,

7 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 again seeing.

8 Now the neighbors and they that had seen him before, when he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

9 Some said, This is he: and others said, He is like him: but he himself said, I am he.

10 Therefore they said unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

11 He answered, and said, The man that is called Jesus, made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and received sight.

12 Then they said unto him, Where is he? He said, I cannot tell.

13 They brought to the Pharisees him that was once blind.

14 And it was the Sabbath day, when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him, how he had received sight. And he said unto them, He laid clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

16 Then said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner, do such miracles? and there was a dissension among them.

17 Then spake they unto the blind again, What sayest thou of him, because he hath opened thine eyes? And he said, He is a Prophet.

18 Then the Jews did not believe him (that he had been blind, and received his sight) until they had called the parents of him that had received sight.

19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, whom ye say was born blind? How doth he now see then?

20 His parents answered them, and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not: or who hath opened his eyes, can we not tell: he is old enough: ask him: he shall answer for himself.

22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had ordained already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be excommunicated out of the Synagogue.

23 Therefore said his parents, He is old enough: ask him.

24 Then again called they the man that had been blind, and said unto him, Give glory unto God: we know that this man is a sinner.

25 Then he answered, and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I cannot tell: one thing I know, that I was blind, and now I see.

26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye have not heard it: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?

28 Then reviled they him, and said, Be thou his disciple: we be Moses’ disciples.

29 We know that God spake with Moses: but this man we know not from whence he is.

30 The man answered, and said unto them, Doubtless, this is a marvelous thing, that ye know not whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.

31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him heareth he.

32 Since the world began, was it not heard, that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

33 If this man were not of God, he could have done nothing.

34 They answered, and said unto him, Thou art altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? so they cast him out.

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out: and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe in the Son of God?

36 He answered, and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe in him?

37 And Jesus said unto him, Both thou hast seen him, and he it is that talketh with thee.

38 Then he said, Lord, I believe, and worshipped him.

39 And Jesus said, I am come unto judgment into this world, that they which see not, might see: and that they which see, might be made blind.

40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him, heard these things, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should not have sin: but now ye say, We see: therefore your sin remaineth.

(a) Editor’s thought - The candle, that is to say, the light of the Gospel is still in the world, but is slowly burning down. We see daily the world turning away from Christ, and becoming more and more lovers of men as opposed to lovers of God. The night and time of complete darkness draws near, and the time of His word will no longer be able to be preached is at hand, due to those who are convicted by their own sins and cannot stand to hear it.  As mentioned in the preface above, let the believer be ready, and the non-believer made to understand that God’s word is true.