Laying the Foundation: The Heart of the Gospel of John
Embarking on a journey through the scriptures can be a profoundly enriching experience. For those within the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) program, it’s a shared adventure of discovery, fellowship, and spiritual growth. This article delves into the heart of this journey, specifically focusing on the profound insights gleaned from our study of the Gospel of John. We’ll concentrate on a single day, exploring the truths woven into the narrative and seeking to understand their impact on our lives. Specifically, we will explore a portion of the narrative of John that reveals Jesus’s continued presence.
The Gospel of John, with its distinctive voice, invites us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, providing a perspective filled with depth and symbolism. This week, we have focused on a passage within John. Within this passage we find the opportunity to understand more about our faith and the transformation that occurs within it. This article is dedicated to exploring some of these concepts.
Before we explore the chosen day in the Gospel of John, let’s briefly illuminate the broader canvas upon which this particular day’s events are painted. John’s Gospel stands out from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) due to its unique focus. While sharing the core story of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection, John prioritizes a more theological and symbolic perspective. John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity, portraying Him as the incarnate Word of God, the Light of the world, and the way, the truth, and the life.
The book is structured to highlight these themes, with key events and teachings carefully arranged to reveal Jesus’ identity and purpose. John often employs a narrative style infused with symbolism, inviting readers to look beneath the surface and grasp the deeper spiritual realities at play. The entire gospel is structured to lead us toward the core message: that through belief in Jesus Christ, we can gain eternal life. This belief is demonstrated in the events recorded, from the turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana to the resurrection itself.
Unveiling the Truth: Day Five’s Exploration
Let’s now zoom in on the section that was the focus of our study, BSF John Lesson, Day Five. For the purposes of this exercise, let’s imagine that Day Five focused on John 20:19-23.
Context and Setting: A Moment of Gathering
This passage unfolds on the evening of the resurrection, a time of profound transition and uncertainty. The disciples, having witnessed the events of the crucifixion and, through Mary Magdalene and other witnesses, the empty tomb, are grappling with fear and doubt. They have locked themselves in a room, seeking security from the perceived dangers of the outside world. Their world has been shattered, and they are trying to make sense of it. The weight of the recent events is pressing down on them. The setting is a place of fear, uncertainty, and apprehension.
Unpacking the Meaning: Verse by Verse Insights
Verse 19: “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Explanation: This verse sets the stage. The disciples are hiding, driven by fear of potential persecution. Jesus, miraculously appearing, offers a greeting of peace. The significance of this greeting cannot be overstated. In the midst of their fear and anxiety, Jesus offers shalom, a wholeness and well-being that transcends their circumstances. The locked doors, representing their isolation and fear, are no barrier to Jesus.
Historical Context: This demonstrates the precarious situation of the early followers of Jesus. The authorities were seeking to suppress the new movement.
Questions and Considerations: Consider the fear the disciples must have felt. What does this passage say about the accessibility of Jesus? How does Jesus show us the ability to overcome our fear.
Personal Reflection: How often do we, like the disciples, lock ourselves away in fear? How can we embrace Jesus’ offer of peace in times of trouble?
Verse 20: “After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”
Explanation: Jesus, in His resurrected glory, provides physical evidence of His identity. He shows them the marks of the crucifixion, the wounds that bear witness to His sacrifice. This act of revelation confirms His resurrection. It’s a moment of overwhelming joy and relief.
Historical Context: These are the physical proofs of Jesus’ death and His subsequent victory over death. This event lays the foundation of the disciples’ faith.
Questions and Considerations: What impact does seeing the risen Lord have on those present? What does seeing the wounds tell the disciples?
Personal Reflection: In what ways do we need to see the “proof” of Jesus’ presence in our lives? How can we encounter him today?
Verse 21: “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Explanation: Jesus repeats His greeting of peace. He then outlines the disciples’ commission. They are sent out, as He was sent by the Father. This marks a pivotal moment in the Great Commission. The disciples are now empowered to carry on His work.
Historical Context: Jesus is establishing the framework for the expansion of the early church. This highlights the importance of evangelism and the Great Commission.
Questions and Considerations: What are the implications of being “sent”? How does this compare with what we are called to do?
Personal Reflection: How can we embrace our own calling to be sent out into the world?
Verse 22: “And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Explanation: This verse points to the arrival of the Holy Spirit. This is the initial impartation of the Holy Spirit. It is an essential equipping for the mission. The disciples are empowered with the Holy Spirit. This gift is the same one that Jesus also received.
Historical Context: This gives further context to the importance of Jesus in the Christian faith.
Questions and Considerations: What is the significance of the Holy Spirit being given to the disciples? How does this compare to later events in Acts?
Personal Reflection: How does the presence of the Holy Spirit impact our lives today?
Verse 23: “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Explanation: This verse grants the disciples the authority to forgive sins. It speaks of the need for grace and mercy. It does not say that the disciples were now divine, it means that they were granted a ministry of forgiveness.
Historical Context: Forgiveness is a central tenet of the Christian faith.
Questions and Considerations: How does this verse impact our relationships? What does it mean to hold someone’s sins “bound”?
Personal Reflection: How can we embrace the responsibility of forgiveness in our own lives?
Connecting to Deep Truths
The passage offers crucial insights into the nature of faith, transformation, and our relationship with Jesus.
The Power of Jesus’ Presence: Jesus’ miraculous appearance within the locked room demonstrates that He is not bound by the limitations of the physical world. He is ever-present, offering comfort and hope in the midst of fear. His presence is a transformative force, turning despair into joy.
The Importance of the Marks of Suffering: Jesus does not hide his suffering; instead, He proudly bears the marks of the crucifixion. This demonstrates that through His suffering He provided salvation. The marks of Jesus are the markers of His love for us.
The Authority to Forgive: The disciples are given the role of administering forgiveness. This shows that they are to take action in the world with the same grace that Jesus has given them. This has far reaching implications.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit: The gift of the Holy Spirit is what allows the disciples to be effective in their mission.
Practical Application for Everyday Life
This BSF lesson encourages us to take practical steps in our daily walk.
Embrace Jesus’ Peace: Identify the areas in our lives where fear and anxiety have taken root. Ask Jesus to grant us His peace, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds.
Seek Out Jesus’ Presence: Understand that Jesus is always present and that we need to be actively seeking Him.
Walk in Forgiveness: As recipients of forgiveness, be willing to extend it to others. Release the bitterness and resentment that can hold us captive.
Key Questions to Consider
How does the reality of Jesus’ resurrection transform the way we understand life and death?
How does knowing that we are forgiven, transform us?
In what ways can we better live out the call to go and make disciples of all nations?
Community and the BSF Experience
The BSF program promotes a deep dive into scripture, but it’s also designed to foster a supportive community. Through weekly lessons, small group discussions, and personal reflection, BSF members gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and its relevance to their lives. The shared journey of studying the Gospel of John, particularly Day Five, creates a sense of connection and encouragement.
Conclusion
The study of this portion of the Gospel of John, and indeed, BSF John Lesson, Day Five has provided important information regarding faith and action. By contemplating Jesus’ appearance, the imparting of the Holy Spirit, and His command to go and forgive, we are called to action. We understand more fully what it means to be a follower of Christ. Let us continue to study this book. This section is a call to further study and reflection. May our understanding of Jesus Christ deepen with each lesson and each day of BSF.
