How are you, Bethany?

Miss you and thinking of you.
Where God has called you - press on! It is already midweek Wednesday again. The road may appear endless, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel, can we say amen to that? 

Speaking of the Light, we have arrived at the end of that tunnel in our walk through the gospel according to John! Finally, we are here at this last chapter. Congratulations to all who made it this far! It's not only how we start that counts, but also how we finish. Let us finish well for the Lord's glory, even stronger than we started! Press on, brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus - press on to love Christ more than anything, because more than anything, He loves you!

Your Brother Chester

​

​Wednesday Walk into the Word
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 요한복음:
Do You Love Me More than These? 나를 더 사랑하느냐? [chapter 21]
DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN YOUR FISH? (21:1-14)
(Question #1) Arriving at the very last chapter of this gospel, Jesus has risen from the dead. He has appeared to Mary Magdalene by the tomb, comforting her grief. He has appeared to the disciples behind locked doors, giving them His peace, Spirit, and forgiveness. He has appeared to the disciple Thomas, restoring his disbelief to belief. Now, a final appearance of the risen Jesus is recorded to teach us about what it means to love Jesus more than anything. In their confusion, in their time of waiting for the next appearance of Jesus, alongside their need to make a livelihood, what does Peter say he was going to do along with six other disciples, and was it fruitful (verse 1-3)?
[*REFLECT #1a] Ironically, Peter goes back to the very thing that Jesus had called him to leave – fishing, nets, the boat. When have we said we are going to return to those things Jesus had called us out from? Can these things really be fruitful our walk with the Lord?
[*REFLECT #1b] Peter and the other six disciples toiled all night at sea, but they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, what happened, and did the disciples know what was happening (verse 4)?
[*REFLECT #1c] Who is standing on the shore of your life, while you toil and work so hard but do not gain any good fruit? How have we been oblivious to Jesus on the shore while we remain at sea?
[*REFLECT #1d] The disciples have yet to know it was Jesus, yet how does Jesus address them, what does He ask them to do, and what resulted (verse 5-6)?
[*REFLECT #1e] We often do not recognize Jesus in our lives, yet Jesus still addresses us as His children. As His children, we are not left orphans, empty-handed in this world. How has Jesus filled you by His challenge to cast your life “on the right side” of the boat, while you’ve stayed on the left side? Jesus said that on the right side of the boat, you might find “some” fish, yet the disciples found so much that they were not able to haul it back in! How can Jesus take a moment and make it into a movement in your life? When we obey Jesus, how can He take “some” and give us so much more that we can’t haul it all into our lives and the lives around us?
[*REFLECT #1f] From the abundance of fish and their memory of Jesus who did the same for them in LUKE 5:4-11, the disciples finally realize, “It is the Lord!” who was the man standing on the shore (verse 7-8). What memory and reminders of the abundance in Jesus do you need to recall today? What are the “It is the Lord!” moments of your life?
[*REFLECT #1g] The boat couldn’t move quickly enough for Peter, so he (being partly exposed) put on his outer garment and threw himself into the sea, leaving the hard work of dragging the net full of fish for the other disciples. Like Peter, how have we moved too quickly before the larger community in Christ?
[*REFLECT #1h] Jesus had breakfast ready on the shore (verse 9-14). Although we often go back to our fishing nets, what does Jesus invite us to and have ready for us again and again? Does He want our fish or our fellowship?
DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN YOUR FAILURES? (21:15-17)
(Question #2) When they had finished breakfast, what does Jesus ask Peter three times (verse 15-17)?
[*REFLECT #2a] Three times, Peter denied Jesus publicly. So also, Jesus goes about restoring Him three times. Jesus restores us as much as we’ve fallen from Him. What are the “more than these” in your life? How can Jesus be more?
[*REFLECT #2b] After hearing Peter’s reply, Jesus says at each occasion, “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.” How do we love Jesus? Who are the lambs and sheep that need to be fed and tended to through you?
DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN YOUR FUTURE? (21:18-25)
(Question #3) What did Jesus predict about Peter’s future (verse 18-19)?
[*REFLECT #3a] Following Jesus also entails going “where you do not want to go” – as Peter would to his death. Where do you not want to go? How could that undesired place or that undesired person be where Jesus desires for you to go?
[*REFLECT #3b] You could imagine Peter’s sorrow – it wasn’t fair that he alone would have this kind of future, so Peter sees John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) and asks Jesus about his destiny. How does Jesus reply (verse 20-23)?
[*REFLECT #3c] In the gospels, do we have all that Jesus did (verse 23-25)? How precious, then, is what we do have?

Happy Wednesday, Bethany family, how are you?
It is midweek again! Young adult family, you are most definitely in full-swing with classes in college, meeting new friends, in addition to balancing time for campus fellowships, part-time work, or at a regular place of work as our post-grad family is living out daily, trying to navigate the future. Barnabas family, you have a full load of things to get done with kids, trying to spend quality time with your spouse, being faithful in growing a family of faith, learning to show the character of Christ to your in-laws and bless them, alongside many other things. In the midst of all we can get busy with, let us take a walk for some fresh air. Always know every Wednesday evening, a fountain of living water will always come forth for you to drink. Lord-willing, we'll walk together to the One who must rise from the dead!! Only one more chapter left in the gospel according to John! Your endurance is amazing... thank you. *Important change - we'll be gathering in the FELLOWSHIP ROOM from now on (*NOT in Ezra Chapel anymore). Hope that is ok? Let us rise to be with Jesus! Let me know how you are doing, and how I can pray for you? Bless you.

Your Brother Chester

​Wednesday Walk into the Word
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 요한복음:
He Must Rise from the Dead 죽은 자 가운데서 다시 살아나야 하리라 [chapter 20]
RISEN TO FULFILL SCRIPTURE (20:1-10)
(Question #1) By now, Jesus had died on the cross and was laid in a new tomb in a garden near the crucifixion site. With Pilate’s permission, a disciple of Jesus named Joseph of Arimathea, alongside Nicodemus, took Jesus’ body and prepared it for an honorable burial. Then, the tomb was sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers (as stated in MATTHEW 27:62-66). Now on the first day of the week, which was Sunday, Mary Magdalene (who also had stood at the cross where Jesus died), could not contain the sorrow in her heart. What did she decide to do while it was still dark, and surprisingly what did she see (verse 1)?
[*REFLECT #1a] Like Mary, do we miss Jesus? Do we miss Him to the point of arising while it is still dark, and praying, or going to a sacred place to be with Him one-to-one in the Word, with the Spirit? What surprise did the Lord give you during these moments?
[*REFLECT #1b] Upon realizing the stone to the entrance of the tomb had been rolled away, what did Mary do and think happened (verse 2)?
[*REFLECT #1c] When was your empty-tomb moment? How have we run away from the tomb instead of towards it to look in and trust in the risen Jesus?
[*REFLECT #1d] When both Peter and the beloved disciple (reference to the author, disciple John) heard from Mary that someone may have taken Jesus’ body out of the tomb, they both ran to the tomb. John outran Peter and reached the tomb first, looking inside but not going inside. What did John see, and then what did Peter see once he arrived and entered in tomb (verse 3-7)?
[*REFLECT #1e] By what John and Peter saw, how could this not have been the scene of a tomb robbery or someone who desired to steal the body of Jesus?
[*REFLECT #1f] After Peter entered the tomb, John finally decides to go in as well. When John went in the tomb, what happened – although not fully yet (verse 8-10)?
[*REFLECT #1g] *Why can’t seeing everything first grow genuine faith? When have we demanded to see before trusting in the Lord? Are we people in need of greater evidence or greater faith in Christ?
RISEN TO TESTIFY (20:11-18)
(Question #2) While Peter and John returned back to their homes, Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb, weeping. As she wept, she stopped to look into the tomb. What did she see, and what was asked of her by the ones she saw (verse 11-13)?
[*REFLECT #2a] Even though Mary had encountered and seen two angels in the tomb, she continues to weep and express her reasons to stay in weeping. Even though God shows us of Himself daily in a powerful way, how have we continued to be in mourning, sorrow, weeping over rejoicing, growing, trusting?
[*REFLECT #2b] Even with this angelic encounter, Mary decides to turn around from them. At that moment, who did she see but not recognize, and what same question does this person pose to her (verse 14-15)?
[*REFLECT #2c] How have we not known Jesus, when He was right before us?
[*REFLECT #2d] At what moment did Mary finally recognize it was Jesus before her (verse 16)? In such contrast to her state of weeping, what does Mary start to do, so much so that it was hindering Jesus from even ascending back to the Father (verse 17)? What did Mary do when she got back to the disciples, just as Jesus had commanded her (verse 18)?
RISEN TO GIVE PEACE AND LIFE (20:19-31)
(Question #3) On Sunday evening, while the doors were locked with no way of getting-in, what did Jesus do, say, and give (verse 19-23)?
[*REFLECT #3a] The first words of Jesus after He rose from the dead were to be glad, receive His peace, His Holy Spirit, and His forgiveness. As we behold Jesus through His Word and Spirit today, how can we receive these today?
[*REFLECT #3b] Thomas was not there when Jesus had come to reveal Himself to His disciples. When the other disciples told him what they had seen, how is Thomas’ reply characterized by over-the-top exaggerated demands of unbelief (verse 24-25)? How does Jesus meet those demands, and did Thomas need to do all he asked (verse 26-29)?
[*REFLECT #3c] Why did John write this book (verse 30-31)? By reading John’s account, do you have life in His name?

Press on, Bethany! 
Midweek is here already. Don't ever stop walking with Jesus! Every step, every moment, every class, every meal, every keystroke, every drive, every shift.... it's about an EVERYDAY JESUS, can we say amen to that? Everyday, Jesus lives for us. Everyday, He remains as your King. Will you behold Him today? Every Wednesday, there will always be a fountain of living water, a well to draw up life-giving water for your journey. Whether in a dry season, or rainy season, or bitter cold season, or burning passionate season with the Lord, let us come to the fountain. Whether in-person or by distance, we're always here for you to grow and flourish for Christ. Whether in the rigors of study in college, or the confusion of securing job and future in post-grad, or navigating God's path as an older single, or enduring the trials of marriage and parenthood in growing a family of faith, press on, Bethany! The King is here. The King is in charge! The King makes all things new! 

Following the King and His Kingdom with you,

Brother Chester

​Wednesday Walk into the Word
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 요한복음:
Behold, Your King! 보라 너희 왕이로다! [chapter 19]
BEHOLD, THE KING’S AUTHORITY (19:1-16)
(Question #1) As the corrupt trial continues, Jesus is now before Pilate. Although Pilate had concluded, “I find no guilt in him” (18:38), what does he do to Jesus in order to appease and satisfy the angry crowds that wanted Jesus dead (verse 1)?
[*REFLECT #1a] Pilate wasn’t willing to put Jesus to death, so he flogs Jesus in hopes that this was enough to settle the crowd’s demands. The word flogged can also be translated scourged – a Roman practice of whipping with leather strands full of sharp pieces of bone or metal at the ends. It was not unusual for criminals to die from scourging alone. What other details are given of what the soldiers did that induced maximum pain and humiliation (verse 2-3)?
[*REFLECT #1b] Thinking that the scourging would be enough to satisfy the crowds, what does Pilate do and say (verse 4-5)? Yet what did the chief priests and officers cry out, alongside Pilate verdict for the third time (verse 6)?
[*REFLECT #1c] When have we pushed the limits of sinning, unable to stop at where the Spirit convicts us to stop? Like Pilate, how have we compromised doing the right thing out of fear for man over fear for God?
[*REFLECT #1d] Pilate was already afraid due to his compromise of justice, but what made him more afraid (verse 7-8)?
[*REFLECT #1e] What should make us more afraid? How is our sinfulness leading us or numbing us to godly fearfulness?
[*REFLECT #1f] Out of greater fear of who Jesus might really be, Pilate goes back to Jesus to ask Him where He is from, yet Jesus did not answer. Pilate then asserts his authority to either release or crucify Jesus, yet how does Jesus reply concerning authority (verse 9-11)?
[*REFLECT #1g] When have we acted like the only authority of all? If we have any authority in this world, where did it come from? How are we using our authority for greater holiness over greater sinfulness?
[*REFLECT #1h] On the inside, Pilate was afraid, yet that fear did not lead him to faith. Instead, he remained two-faced, trying to release Jesus but also seeking to maintain his powerful image on the outside. When Pilate heard the words that he was not Caesar’s friend if Jesus was released and that Jesus had made Himself king opposing Caesar, what does Pilate do to show his corrupt justice (verse 12-16)? How have we lived like Pilate?
BEHOLD, THE KING’S OBEDIENCE TO DEATH (19:17-37)
(Question #2) Pilate wrote the inscription to put on Jesus’ cross, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Although he was asked to change it by the chief priests to, “This man said, I am King of the Jews,” how did Pilate reply (verse 17-22)?
[*REFLECT #2a] How is Pilate’s refusal to change the inscription a strange declaration of truth in the midst of such corrupt justice? How do we find glimmers of truth in the midst of our own corrupt sinfulness?   
[*REFLECT #2b] What were the soldiers doing after their crucified Jesus, fulfilling the scripture of PSALM 22:18 (verse 23-24)?
[*REFLECT #2c] As the Son of God dies for the sins of the world, careless men laugh, gamble, and play games with his clothes and tunic at His feet. How have we so disregarded the cross of Jesus, oftentimes being careless ourselves?
[*REFLECT #2d] In contrast to the soldiers, who were the three women, along with the disciple whom Jesus loved (self-reference to the author John), standing by the cross, and to whom did Jesus leave the care of His mother Mary to (verse 25-27)?
[*REFLECT #2e] The disciple John and Mary were not related by blood, yet Jesus’ final request is for them to be one family as son and mother. How has the gospel transformed our relationships, to become spiritual family connected by the blood of Jesus Christ?
[*REFLECT #2f] Before His last breath, with the fullness of human need, what did Jesus say and fulfill PSALM 22:15 (verse 28-30)?
[*REFLECT #2g] John saw it, bearing witness. How did Jesus fulfill PSALM 34:20 and ZECHARIAH 12:10 (verse 31-37)?
BEHOLD, THE KING’S BURIAL (19:38-42)
(Question #3) Who brought the mixture of expensive spices (verse 38-42)? How have we come to Jesus by day over night?

Dear Bethany family,
Another midweek Wednesday is upon us! Hopefully, a little break awaits us with the Labor Day weekend. Until then, let us press on! You know there will always be a well of spiritual food in the Word awaiting for you on Wednesday's, so come if time allows. Tonight, we'll ask Pilate's question to Jesus together - what is truth? Such a simple question, but can be distorted in so many ways these days. Let us gaze upon the only truth, the way, the life - Jesus Christ. Lord-willing, see you for a walk tonight. We prayerfully remember those who are ill, those who are going through tough times. Let us carry the burden together. Press on! Remember we're always here for you. Let us continue to build-up this family as brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for loving this church, as much as Jesus does. Bless you precious ones!

Brother Chester

​Wednesday Walk into the Word
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 요한복음:
What is Truth? 진리가 무엇이냐? [chapter 18]
TRUTH DOES NOT WIELD THE SWORD (18:1-11)
(Question #1) Jesus had just finished his long prayer and even longer teaching (chapters 13-17) on His last night with the disciples. Now, the events leading up the crucifixion unfold. Jesus now goes to a garden across the brook Kidron. What was special about this location, and who used it to turn it from a prayerful place to a violent place (verse 1-2)?
[*REFLECT #1a] Like Judas, how have we turned a sacred place into a sinful place?
[*REFLECT #1b] We know from the other gospels that at this garden, Jesus prayed while the disciples fell asleep. Jesus was in great agony, his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground (LUKE 22:44). Jesus’ soul was very sorrowful, even to death (MATTHEW 26:38). Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (LUKE 22:42). How do you need to go back to the garden, and pray “not my will, but yours, be done”?
[*REFLECT #1c] Instead of going to pray, what did Judas do (verse 3)? What did this group go there with (verse 3)?
[*REFLECT #1d] When have we come to Jesus to attack rather than to adore Him?
[*REFLECT #1e] What did Jesus know already (verse 4)? How is Judas always described (verse 5, also verse 2)?
[*REFLECT #1f] Although they came to arrest Him, what happened when Jesus said, “I am He” (verse 6)?
[*REFLECT #1g] Although we come to Jesus for the wrong reasons, when have we drew back and fell to the ground when He revealed His identity, character, and presence to us?
[*REFLECT #1h] Jesus knew who they had come for, so what did He ask (verse 7-8)? What did this fulfill (verse 9)? Read JOHN 6:39 and JOHN 17:12 to validate this is what Jesus spoke.
[*REFLECT #1i] Simon Peter knew what was going to happen, so what did He do (verse 10)? Yet, how did Jesus react and why (verse 11)? How have we been too quick to pull out our sword to solve our problems and declare truth?
TRUTH DOES NOT REMAIN IN SECRET (18:12-27)
(Question #2) They arrested Jesus, bound Him, and led him to Annas (verse 12-13). Annas was notoriously unjust. He was father-in-law to Caiaphas, the high priest in office at the time, who also was just as corrupt. What did Caiaphas advise (verse 14)? Validate this in JOHN 11:49-52.
[*REFLECT #2a] From the beginning, Jesus never had a fair trial. Caiaphas’ advice was corrupt, but somehow turned out to be prophetically God’s divine will. How has God flipped evil, and used evil for greater good in your life?   
[*REFLECT #2b] Peter embarrassed himself at the garden with his sword and violence. Hoping for a second chance to show loyalty to Jesus, what does he do, along with the unknown disciple – most likely John, our gospel writer (verse 15-16)? How have we desired a new beginning, a second chance?
[*REFLECT #2c] The servant girl at the door recognizes Peter. What does she ask, and how does Peter reply (verse 17)? How have we denied affiliation with Jesus out of embarrassment, fear, or pride?
[*REFLECT #2d] What was the weather that night (verse 18)? Ironically, who was Peter standing and warming himself with? How have we stood in the way of sinners, sit in the seat of scoffers, as PSALM 1:1 declares?
[*REFLECT #2e] The unfair trial begins. How has Jesus not been secretive, and what does he ask his hearers to do (verse 19-21)? By their subsequent actions to strike Jesus, whose respect were they upholding (verse 22-24)?
[*REFLECT #2f] Whose respect are we upholding? People? Positions? How are we also striking Jesus by admitting we are right when we are wrong?
[*REFLECT #2g] What happened after two more denials by Peter (verse 25-27)? What did this fulfill (JOHN 13:38)?
TRUTH ABIDES IN JESUS, KING OVER ALL (18:28-40)
(Question #3) Early morning the next day, Jesus is in Governor Pilate’s headquarters. How hypocritical were the people to not defile themselves, while condemning Jesus (verse 28)? How have our acts of rightness also condemned the Righteous One?
(Question #4) Did Pilate find fault in Jesus (verse 29-31)? Why did the Jews want Pilate to kill Jesus (verse 32, JOHN 3:14)?
(Question #5) What did even Pilate, a nonbeliever, conclude Jesus was claiming about Himself (verse 33-38)?
(Question #6) No guilt was found, yet how did Pilate show his corrupt governance (verse 39-40)?
(Question #7) Jesus took the place of Barabbas, who was a thief. Although corrupt ourselves, how did Jesus take your place?

Dear Bethany family,
Already another Wednesday midweek has arrived! If able, walk with us into this awesome chapter tonight - the longest prayer of Jesus recorded in our Bible. So many treasures.... that we may all be one! Unity is the key to spiritual growth. Let us keep the unity, keep on gathering, all the more as the day of the Lord approaches! Lord-willing, see you soon. *Distance college family, I am always thinking and praying about you... may the Lord guide you to the church, ministry, Pastor, and new friends to experience true unity and family in Christ, until we see you again! Miss everyone already. *Those who've been ill recently, we continue to pray for the Lord's healing touch soon. Press on, Bethany!

Your Brother Chester

​Wednesday Walk into the Word
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 요한복음:
That They May All Be One 다 하나가 되게 하옵소서 [chapter 17]
BE ONE IN GLORIFYING JESUS (17:1-5)
(Question #1) Jesus’ long teaching (beginning from chapter 13), now ends in this final chapter 17 with a prayer. He had just encouraged the disciples to take heart and have peace because He has overcome the world. Although He was to depart soon, their sorrow would turn to joy at the arrival of the Helper – the Spirit of truth. Now, Jesus closes with a prayer. This is the longest prayer of Jesus we have in the Bible. Where and when did Jesus pray this? We are not certain if Jesus was by Himself, or if He was praying with His disciples. It was certainly before they went out to the garden (chapter 18) where the betrayal would happen. Yet to put aside the question of where and when, it is amazing to see the how and what of this prayer. After ending His teaching, how did Jesus pray with His eyes, and what does He ask of the Father (verse 1)?
[*REFLECT #1a] Usually, we pray with our eyes closed and head bowed. How can a change in posture help us to pray? Are the first words of prayer seeking our own glory, or the glory of the Father and Son?
[*REFLECT #1b] The Son glorifies the Father by giving eternal life. What exactly is eternal life, and who is it given to (verse 2-3)?
[*REFLECT #1c] What is your eternal life – the forever, best, ultimate, unending, significant, meaningful, lasting life?
[*REFLECT #1d] How did Jesus glorify the Father on earth? Now, where does He want to be glorified? With what kind of glory does Jesus want to be glorified (verse 4-5)?
[*REFLECT #1e] How do we glorify God on earth? The hour of Jesus’ greatest glory was the hour of His greatest suffering (on the cross). When is your hour – the time when you are glorifying Jesus the most? How is the world’s version of glory different?
BE ONE IN THE SANCTIFYING WORD (17:6-19)
(Question #2) Who has Jesus manifested the Father’s name to (verse 6)?
[*REFLECT #2a] Did we choose God first, or did God choose us out of the world first? How does this bring comfort and assurance over chaos and doubt?   
[*REFLECT #2b] What do God’s chosen ones know (verse 7)? What has Jesus given to them, and what resulted from that gift (verse 8)?
[*REFLECT #2c] Who does the giving, and who does the receiving in your life?
[*REFLECT #2d] Who is Jesus praying for (verse 9)? What happens in them and why (verse 10)?
[*REFLECT #2e] What does Jesus pray to keep them in, and for what purpose (verse 11)?
[*REFLECT #2f] As the Father is one with the Son, how ought we also live in such oneness with our brothers and sisters in Christ? How can we cultivate more of that unity?
[*REFLECT #2g] Who was the one exception to Jesus’ work of guarding and keeping all whom the Father gave – the one called son of destruction (verse 12, think about what was about to happen in the next chapter 18)?
[*REFLECT #2h] Why did Jesus speak this prayer (verse 13)? Jesus gave His word – what resulted and why (verse 14)?
[*REFLECT #2i] Rather than take us out of the world, what did Jesus pray (verse 15-16)? Why can we stay in an evil world (verse 17-19)?
BE ONE IN LOVE SO THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE (17:20-26)
(Question #3) Alongside the present disciples at the time, who was Jesus also praying for (verse 20)?
[*REFLECT #3a] What does Jesus pray for all future believers, and why (verse 21)?
[*REFLECT #3b] How does a world lost in sin truly come to believe in Father God and Jesus whom He sent – what do they need to see and experience?
[*REFLECT #3c] What has Jesus given to us so that we can be one, as He is one with the Father (verse 22)?
[*REFLECT #3d] What is the key to Christ-centered unity? When there is unity in the church, what does the world outside of church know (verse 23)?
[*REFLECT #3e] What does Jesus desire for us (verse 24-26)?
[*REFLECT #3f] Are we nurturing unity that grows a stronger testimony of Christ’s glory and love for the world? 

Review Chapters 1-16, Meditations on a Godly Response to Grief, and Fellowship


​
REVIEW CHAPTERS 1-16
(Question #1) What are some lessons that God has been teaching you through the previous chapters?
[chapter 1, part 1] Jesus, the Word made Flesh
[chapter 1, part 2] Behold, the Lamb of God
[chapter 2] Conversion and Cleansing
[chapter 3] The New Birth
[chapter 4] Life-Giving Water, Food, and Word
[chapter 5] Those Who Hear will Live
[chapter 6] Bread of Life
[chapter 7] Judge with Right Judgment
[chapter 8] I Am the Light of the World
[chapter 9] Though I was Blind, Now I See
[chapter 10] I Am the Door, I Am the Good Shepherd
[chapter 11] I Am the Resurrection and the Life
[chapter 12] The Hour has Come to be Glorified
[chapter 13] He Loved Them to the End
[chapter 14] The Way, the Truth, and the Life
[chapter 15] Abide in Me
[chapter 16] Take Heart, I Have Overcome the World



MEDITATIONS ON A GODLY RESPONSE TO DEATH, GRIEF, AND SORROW
(Question #2) What does the gospel according to John say about grief and sorrow in particular? What do other Scripture passages say about grief and sorrow? How ought we view and respond to times of grief, loss, and sorrow that will enter our lives?

In the Gospel according to John
 
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (3:16)
 
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. (5:24-26)
 
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (10:10)
 
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (11:25-26)
 
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” (14:1-4)
 
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (14:27)
 
But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (16:6-7)
 
Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. (16:20-22)
 
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (16:33)

In Other Scripture Texts
 
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (MATTHEW 5:4)
 
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (MATTHEW 11:28-30)
 
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ROMANS 6:23)
 
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (ROMANS 8:18)
 
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ROMANS 12:2)
 
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (PHILIPPIANS 1:21)
 
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. (1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-14)
 
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (REVELATION 21:4)
 

 
FELLOWSHIP
(Question #3) Share a time of grief or sorrow that has befallen your life. How can we take these Scriptures to heal, as well as prepare, for future seasons of grief? Pray for one another these truths.

*Every Wednesday @ Ezra Chapel, start-time 7:15pm. ​*Every Wednesday from 7:15pm to 8:30pm at Ezra Chapel, come walk with us into the Gospel According to John. Reading through verse-by-verse with reflection. Let's all grow as people of God in the Word of God! Walk into the Word, Walk out to your world! Amen!

​Wednesday Walk into the Word
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 요한복음:
Take Heart, I Have Overcome the World 담대하라 내가 세상을 이기였노라 [chapter 16]
OVERCOME FALLING AWAY (16:1-4)
(Question #1) These next two chapters 16-17 are the final teachings of Jesus that began on the very same night around the table with His disciples, eating the last meal back in chapter 13. Jesus had just finished teaching on the abiding connection we must all have in His words and love personified through the vine and branch. Jesus warned that those who abide in Him will face rejection from the world, as He also was rejected without cause. But He promises the Spirit of truth to help them bear witness and stay faithful. Overall, why was Jesus teaching these things (verse 1-2)?
[*REFLECT #1a] Jesus warned of coming opposition because He did not want His disciples to be surprised and fall away. How is the Lord giving teachings and warnings to you to keep you from surprise or falling away?
[*REFLECT #1b] Saul (Paul) of Tarsus, before his conversion, is an example of someone who mistakenly thought killing Christians was an act of offering service to God. When was a time you mistakenly thought your words and works were an act of offering service to God, when in reality it was defying God and destroying others around you?
[*REFLECT #1c] Jesus foretold that some of the disciples will be killed. Why will their persecutors do this (verse 3)?
[*REFLECT #1d] Do you know the Father God and Jesus Christ His Son? What should it be producing in you?
[*REFLECT #1e] Why did Jesus foretell the hour of this incredible persecution (verse 4)?
[*REFLECT #1f] What are you remembering that Jesus told you, that helps you stay faithful over faithless?
OVERCOME SORROW (16:5-24)
(Question #2) You can imagine by now the disciples are shaken and in sorrow at the prospect of their own death for following Jesus. Although both Peter (13:36) and Thomas (14:5) had already asked a similar question, why does Jesus say none of them had asked, “Where are you going” to Him (verse 5)?
[*REFLECT #2a] There is a big difference between the words of a question, and the heart of a question. Peter and Thomas may have already asked where Jesus was going, but it was directed at their own selfish interests (what will happen to us, then?) rather than to Jesus’ true destination (what will happen to you, Jesus?). How have our questions to God been directed to our self-centered needs over God-centered truth?  
[*REFLECT #2b] Jesus is departing. The disciples are filled with sorrow, yet it was to their advantage that Jesus would go away. What was the advantage (verse 6-7)?
[*REFLECT #2c] In our lives, unless we let go of one season, we won’t be able to move on to the next season. How have you been holding on to what needs to depart, keeping you from receiving more from what is to come? Is the best yet to come?
[*REFLECT #2d] The incredible gift of the Helper awaits them. What will He do when He arrives (verse 8-11)?
[*REFLECT #2e] How has the Helper – the Spirit of truth – brought gentle but sharp conviction of truth in your life?
[*REFLECT #2f] When the Spirit of truth arrives, what will He do (verse 12-15)?
[*REFLECT #2g] What did Jesus mean by saying, “A little while, and you will see me no longer, and again a little while, and you will see me” (verse 16-22)?
[*REFLECT #2h] Waiting often seems like eternity. Yet how is Jesus putting an enduring hope of “a little while” in you?
[*REFLECT #2i] In that day when we see Jesus again, we will be so overcome with joy that we will ask nothing from Him. But now as we live in between the times, what will Jesus do to all who ask the Father in His name (verse 23)? What will be full once we do (verse 24)?
OVERCOME THE WORLD (16:25-33)
(Question #3) As spiritual truth cannot be understood in plain words, Jesus used figures of speech. But in that day when we see Jesus again at His return, there will be no need for that. In that time of restored joy and access to Jesus, will Jesus need to speak on our behalf (verse 25-26)?
[*REFLECT #3a] How is Jesus giving you joyful confidence to come to the Father God directly today?
[*REFLECT #3b] Because we have loved Jesus and believed that He came from the Father, what does the Father God Himself do (verse 27)? Where did Jesus come from, come into, and now leaving to be with (verse 28)?
[*REFLECT #3c] Often, we think of an angry Father God, not persuaded to be gracious. Yet without violating His righteous anger, how has the Father God Himself loved you?
[*REFLECT #3d] All the disciple will scatter and betray Jesus. Yet, why does Jesus foretell this to them (verse 29-33)?

*Every Wednesday @ Ezra Chapel, start-time 7:15pm. ​*Every Wednesday from 7:15pm to 8:30pm at Ezra Chapel, come walk with us into the Gospel According to John. Reading through verse-by-verse with reflection. Let's all grow as people of God in the Word of God! Walk into the Word, Walk out to your world! Amen!

​Wednesday Walk into the Word
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 요한복음:
Abide in Me 내 안에 거하라 [chapter 15]
ABIDE IN THE TRUE VINE (15:1-8)
(Question #1) Having started from chapter 13, Jesus is still teaching His disciples around the table of the last meal. He had washed His disciples’ feet, pointed out His betrayer, gave a new command to love one another as He has done, predicted Peter’s three denials before the rooster’s crow the next morning, encouraged them to not let their hearts be troubled but to trust in Him, declared Himself as the only way to truth and life, and promised the permanent gift of the Holy Spirit. Knowing His time to depart was near, Jesus now uses a portrait of a vine and branch to display how His disciples are to relate to Him when He is gone and not physically present any longer. Who is the true vine, the vinedresser (gardener), and the branch, and what happens to every unfruitful branch in contrast to every fruitful branch (verse 1-2)?
[*REFLECT #1a] Prunning involves trimming or cutting away dead or overgrown branches and stems to increase fruitfulness and growth. How has Jesus doing this in your life, so that you might bear much fruit?
[*REFLECT #1b] What exactly is fruit in your life? See MATTHEW 3:8 and GALATIANS 5:22-24.
[*REFLECT #1c] Because the work of pruning was already happening in the disciples, what does Jesus say they are and why (verse 3)?
[*REFLECT #1d] How are the branch and the vine inseparably connected (verse 4-5)?
[*REFLECT #1e] Abide means to remain fixed in, to stay in, to dwell with continuously, to conform to, to live with daily. How is the confession, “apart from Jesus I can do nothing” helping you to abide in Jesus today?
[*REFLECT #1f] When have we lived like we are the vine while Jesus is the branch?
[*REFLECT #1g] Jesus also says that He abides in us – “whoever abides in me and I [abide] in him.” How have you realized Jesus first abiding in you? How has that caused you to abide in Him?
[*REFLECT #1h] What happens to anyone who does not abide in Jesus daily (verse 6)? Therefore, how serious must we be about abiding in Jesus?
[*REFLECT #1i] What is abiding in Jesus synonymous to abiding in (verse 7)? If we are doing this, what happens in whatever we ask of God?
[*REFLECT #1j] How do we bring glory to the Father and prove to be a disciple of Jesus (verse 8)?
ABIDE IN HIS LOVE (15:9-17)
(Question #2) Whose love are we to abide in and how (verse 9)?
[*REFLECT #2a] How do we visibly and tangibly abide in Jesus’ love for us (verse 10)?
[*REFLECT #2b] What commandments are you keeping to express Jesus’ love for you?
[*REFLECT #2c] Why did Jesus speak this word about the inseparable abiding between vine and branch (verse 11)?
[*REFLECT #2d] How is your joy full as you abide in the Lord over stay apart from Him?
[*REFLECT #2e] How do we become friends of Jesus (verse 12-14)?
[*REFLECT #2f] Loving as Jesus loved means to lay down your life. How are you laying down your life to experience love as Jesus loved?
[*REFLECT #2g] What is the difference between a servant and a friend of Jesus (verse 15)? Are you just a servant, or a friend?
[*REFLECT #2h] We didn’t choose Jesus, but why did Jesus choose us (verse 16-17)?
ABIDE IN BEING HATED BY THE WORLD (15:18-27)
(Question #3) An unavoidable result of Jesus choosing us out of the world will be rejection and even hatred by the world. What must we know when this happens (verse 18-19)?
[*REFLECT #3a] In times of rejection and even hatred from the world, what must we remember (verse 20)?
[*REFLECT #3b] How is the mindset of servanthood before the Master, instead of being our own master expecting to be served, helping us to endure the hardships of abiding in Jesus? How is it encouraging us to keep the Word – who else will keep it with us (ending of verse 20)?
[*REFLECT #3c] Why does the world rejected and even hate Jesus and His followers (verse 21)?
[*REFLECT #3d] Why does the world have no excuse for their rejection and hatred of Jesus and His followers (verse 22-25)?
[*REFLECT #3e] “They hated me without a cause” is a quote from Psalm 69:4. How have we hated without cause?
[*REFLECT #3f] What will happen when Jesus sends the Helper, the Spirit of truth (verse 26-27)?

*Every Wednesday @ Ezra Chapel, start-time 7:15pm. ​*Every Wednesday from 7:15pm to 8:30pm at Ezra Chapel, come walk with us into the Gospel According to John. Reading through verse-by-verse with reflection. Let's all grow as people of God in the Word of God! Walk into the Word, Walk out to your world! Amen!

​Wednesday Walk into the Word
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 요한복음:
The Way, the Truth, and the Life 길이요 진리요 생명이니 [chapter 14]
THE WAY TO THE FATHER – THROUGH JESUS CHRIST (14:1-14)
(Question #1) This is the final night before Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. On this night, Jesus had washed His disciples’ feet, pointed out His betrayer, gave a new command to love one another as He has done, and predicted Peter’s three denials before the rooster’s crow the next morning. This one night alone spans five full chapters (chapter 13-17, known as the Upper Room Discourse as it happened in the Upper Room, a typical roof of a home covered by a canopy [MARK 14:12-15]). The attention given to this night tells us of its importance. The whole of chapter 14 alone are last words and teachings Jesus left with His disciples on this night. From the prospect of a traitor amongst them, the prediction of Peter’s multiple denials, and the soon-departure of Jesus, the disciples had every reason to be troubled. But what does Jesus command them to do (verse 1)?
[*REFLECT #1a] Instead of giving into a troubled heart, what ought we be doing? Why (verse 2-3)?
[*REFLECT #1b] Rooms also mean dwelling places. As much as a room in your home brings peace and protection, how is the promise of a future dwelling place that Jesus prepares for you the calm for a troubled heart? Like parents who make preparations for the arrival of their newborn, what is Jesus doing now in heaven for us and what will He do when He comes again (verse 3)?
[*REFLECT #1c] By now, the disciples should have known where Jesus was going – back to the Father God after the cross and resurrection. Yet, the disciple Thomas says that he does not know the way where Jesus was going. What is the way (verse 4-6)?
[*REFLECT #1d] When have you had a Thomas moment (Lord, I don’t know where you are going)? In troubled times, instead of questioning where Jesus is, how can we focus on who Jesus is?
[*REFLECT #1e] The concept of the way was so important that the early Christians in the book of Acts were called followers of the Way (ACTS 9:2). Why can’t there be more than one way – why can’t all roads lead to Jesus and the Father (verse 6-7)?
[*REFLECT #1f] Another disciple, Philip, now appears equally confused as Thomas. What does Philip ask of Jesus and how was the answer right before his eyes (verse 8-9)?
[*REFLECT #1g] What have we asked of the Lord when the answer was right before our eyes?
[*REFLECT #1h] How is Jesus in the Father, and the Father in Jesus by word and works (verse 10)? If we cannot believe on account of the words of Jesus, on account of what else can we believe (verse 11)?
[*REFLECT #1i] Whoever believes in Jesus and asks in His name will do what (verse 12-14)? In your walk with the Lord, how are you not just to believing, but also doing the works that Jesus did?
THE WAY TO THE HELPER – THE HOLY SPIRIT (14:15-31)
(Question #2) How do we love Jesus (verse 15)? For those who love Jesus, what will the Father give and how long with this gift be with us (verse 16)?
[*REFLECT #2a] Helper also means Counselor or Advocate-Defender. Jesus defines this Helper as the Spirit of truth (verse 17). How has the Spirit been a counselor and advocate in your life, guiding you to truth?  
[*REFLECT #2b] Why can’t the world receive the Spirit of truth, and how do we know the Spirit (verse 17)?
[*REFLECT #2c] Although Jesus is departing, He will not leave us as orphans. How will we still see Jesus (verse 18-20)? We cannot see Jesus today in a material/physical sense, but how can we still see Him?
[*REFLECT #2d] What happens when we have and obey Jesus’ commandments out of love for Him (verse 21)?
[*REFLECT #2e] The disciple Judas is confused why Jesus is manifesting Himself to them, but not to the larger world. Why is Jesus primarily focused on those who love Him (verse 22-24)? Over and against anything else, why is Jesus focused on your love for Him?
[*REFLECT #2f] What will the Holy Spirit do once He is sent from the Father (verse 25-26)?
[*REFLECT #2g] What is Jesus leaving and giving before He departs back to the Father, and what should that do to the hearts of His disciples (verse 27)?
[*REFLECT #2h] Instead of grief, sadness, and fear, how should we react to Jesus’ departure to the Father (verse 28)?
[*REFLECT #2i] Is the departing Jesus a joy to us? Why is it better for Jesus to depart over stay with us? How can we live rejoicing in Jesus although He has departed back to the Father?
[*REFLECT #2j] Throughout life, we will constantly need to discern whether to depart or to stay. How can Jesus’ departure be a model for our circumstances?
[*REFLECT #2k] Why does Jesus foretell these events before they take place (verse 29-31)? By them, are we trusting in Him?

*Every Wednesday @ Ezra Chapel, start-time 7:15pm. ​*Every Wednesday from 7:15pm to 8:30pm at Ezra Chapel, come walk with us into the Gospel According to John. Reading through verse-by-verse with reflection. Let's all grow as people of God in the Word of God! Walk into the Word, Walk out to your world! Amen!

​Wednesday Walk into the Word
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 요한복음:
He Loved Them to the End 끝까지 사랑하시니라 [chapter 13]
HE LOVED THEM BY WASHING THEM (13:1-20)
(Question #1) The previous chapter 12 began with “Six days before the Passover” – marking the time of the last week (also known as Passion week) before Jesus is crucified on the cross. Now, chapter 13 begins on the eve of the Passover, the very night Jesus was to be betrayed and the final night before His trial and crucifixion. This final night is recorded with many teachings that Jesus left His disciples that spans five full chapters (chapter 13-17, also known as the Upper Room Discourse as it happened in the Upper Room, a typical roof of a home covered by a canopy [MARK 14:12-15]). The attention that the gospel-writer John gives to this night tells us of its importance. When this night arrived, what did Jesus know, and what was He set on doing (verse 1)?
[*REFLECT #1a] Although the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot… to betray him, how did Jesus love him to the end during supper (verse 2-5)?
[*REFLECT #1b] If even Judas Iscariot got his feet washed, how ought we to love one another to the end?
[*REFLECT #1c] In the times of Jesus, foot-washing was a sign of hospitality from the home’s host, but almost exclusively done by the slaves or servants of the home – never the host himself. It was a dirty job that symbolized the subjugation of the foot-washer’s social position. Yet, why did Jesus take up this task (verse 3), and what was He trying to show by doing it (verse 6-8)?
[*REFLECT #1d] What is your act of foot-washing you can give to others, showing Jesus’ sin-washing on the cross? How can we forgive and cover one another, over withhold and expose one another?
[*REFLECT #1e] Simon Peter wanted an entire bath, but how did Jesus respond (verse 9-11)?
[*REFLECT #1f] Where does Jesus need to wash your feet to be cleansed today? Are you refusing or receiving it?
[*REFLECT #1g] By washing feet, what was Jesus trying to teach (verse 12-17)? How ought we do this to one another?
[*REFLECT #1h] Why does Jesus foretell His betrayal (verse 18-20)? Before it took place, how has Jesus foretold it in your life, and why?
HE LOVED THEM, EVEN HIS BETRAYER (13:21-30)
(Question #2) After the foot-washing and initial mention of His betrayer, how did Jesus feel (verse 21)? If Jesus knew His betrayer, why didn’t He stop him? Why doesn’t He stop you?
(Question #3) The disciple whom Jesus loved is most likely the mention of the author of this gospel, John. Simon Peter motions for John to ask Jesus for the identity of the betrayer. What does Jesus do to point him out (verse 22-26)? Like the morsel of bread that represents fellowship yet conviction, how has God confronted you while still inviting you to restore fellowship at the table, with a morsel of bread?
(Question #4) What happened after Judas Iscariot took the morsel of bread, and how was there confusion over what Jesus said to him, What you are going to do, do quickly (verse 27-30)?
(Question #5) Read JAMES 1:12-15. When does Satan enter our hearts?
HE LOVED THEM BY A NEW COMMAND TO LOVE (13:31-38)
(Question #6) Glorified means to be made great, majestic, powerful. This is made vivid in the Son of Man figure in DANIEL 7:13-14, behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days, and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. This figure is Jesus Christ, yet strangely when was the hour when God would glorify the Son of Man, Jesus Christ (verse 31-33; look back to verse 1 as well)?
(Question #7) What is the new commandment, and how is it new (verse 34)? What will all people know when this command is obeyed (verse 35)?
(Question #8) Why couldn’t Peter go where Jesus was going (verse 36-38)? When have we asked, Lord, where are you going?