February 12th, Thursday: John chaps.11-12

John 11

We're going to learn about the many attributes of love.

This experience was difficult for the Bethany family, but look at it in the light of God's love.

We'll learn that love hears.

God's love keeps His ears open to our cries.

We'll learn that love waits.

See, we think that love must act immediately on our behalf.

But sometimes delay brings a greater blessing - sometimes a much greater blessing.

God's delays are not God's denials.

Jesus gave them a promise to encourage them while they waited.

We have to trust Him and trust His timing.

And we'll learn that love risks.

It was dangerous for Jesus to return to Judea, but He went just the same.

And we'll learn that love comforts.

And we'll learn that love weeps.

Jesus identifies with our sorrows.

We'll learn that love serves.

We today are not able to raise the dead, but we can serve others as they go to the valley.

A loving heart will always find a way to bear others' burdens.

John 12

There's a fragrance here.

What would your plans be if you knew that you had only 6 days to live?

Well, Jesus took time to visit dear friends and fellowship with them.

Mary's adoration not only revealed her love, but it brought joy to His heart, exposed Judas' sins, and gave the church an example to follow.

Are the places where you go filled with Christ's fragrance because of you?

And there was a huge festival.

Jesus took advantage of a large Passover crowd to present Himself as King.

He was forcing the Jewish leaders to act.

For it was the Father's will that Jesus die on Passover.

The crowd did not stay with Him.

You know, it's easier to shout in a parade, than stand at a cross.

We'll learn about fruitfulness.

Jesus looked upon His death as an opportunity to glorify God.

Do you take that attitude when you face a time of trial?

He saw Himself as a seed that would die and produce fruit, and as a conqueror who would defeat Satan.

The cross would open the way of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles.

We'll read about His faithfulness.

In His words and works, Jesus showed Israel the light, but they chose to walk in darkness.

The praise of men meant more to them than the praise of God.

Be careful what you do with His words, because you will hear them again when you see the Saviour.