Pastoral Exhortation

“Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD” Jeremiah 8:7

The “stork” is like the crane, but larger in size. They are large birds with long legs, toes webbed at the base, and a strong, straight, pointed bill longer than the head. Two species of the storks are found in Israel. One of the species is white in colour and it is found in pairs over the whole country. The other which is black in colour lives in large flocks, in marshy places. They migrate to Israel periodically (about the 22nd of March). Psalm 104:17 refers to their nest making habits: “Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.”

Jeremiah alludes to these migratory habits of the stork. He also mentions the migratory habits of other birds, such as the crane and swallow. At the appointed time, they return. They normally return at the same time every year to make their nests. They return and re-occupy their old nests. Even migratory birds observe the time of their migration, but the Lord says that His people ignore the time when they are expected to return to their God. The people manifest even less wisdom than a bird!

The migratory birds sense God’s timing by noticing the change in climate. How about you, children? Do you observe the Lord’s clear indications to you and return to Him? When the evening comes, do you get back home to pray and eat with the family? Do you return to do your homework? Do you keep the appointed times of worship and fellowship? Remember, you are expected to behave better than birds. So, children, be obedient to the Lord. Return to your God-given responsibilities and duties, lest the Lord condemns you.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17

Many Protestant churches commemorate the 16th-Century Reformation on the last Sunday of the month of October. The word “reformation” literally means to form again. During the 16th century, the people of God were deprived of God’s Word, and many of them were not assured of their salvation because of the wrong teachings of the Roman Catholic church. The Protestant Reformation moved to change all that.

As we commemorate Reformation Sunday today, we will be considering how the Reformation began, and what it has given us. Let us learn the roots of our rich Protestant heritage, and be thankful to the LORD for it!

The Protestant Reformation began with Martin Luther in Germany. On 31st October 1517, Luther nailed his nine-five theses (statements) on the castle door of Wittenberg Church to challenge certain practices of the Roman Catholic church. At that time, the pope, who was the leader of the Roman Catholic church, wanted to reconstruct St Peter’s Basilica. In order to renovate this huge building, a lot of money was needed. Therefore, to raise fund for this ambitious project, he promoted the sale of indulgences. Indulgences are tickets issued by the Roman Catholic church for the forgiveness of sins.

Luther protested against the sale of indulgences. He knew that only God can forgive sins, not the church! He was convinced that this (sale of indulgences) was against the Word of God. The salvation of a soul is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone! The Bible says, “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). This protest of Luther sparked off a chain of reactions throughout Europe which later became known as the Reformation.

Before the Reformation, the Word of God was kept from the people by the Roman Catholic church. The people of God were not allowed to read the Bible and had to rely on the priests to teach them spiritual truths. But many of their teachings were not biblical! An example would be the teaching on salvation. Roman Catholics teach that salvation is by works, not by faith. The people of God could not be assured of their faith and lived in constant fear of losing their salvation. They were walking in darkness without light from God’s truth.

The Reformation brought again the correct doctrine of salvation to the people of God. It also gave us the Word of God in our own languages. Luther translated the Bible into the German language while William Tyndale translated it into English.

The King James Bible which you hold in your hands comes as a result of Tyndale’s translation. We would not have had a Bible in our own language without the Reformation. Are you thankful to the Lord for the 16th-Century Protestant Reformation? You should be!

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Dear children, we have learned about two different crowns which are given as rewards for serving the Lord Jesus Christ. They are the Incorruptible Crown and the Crown of Rejoicing. The former is for those who have run the Christian race faithfully to the end while the latter is for those who have faithfully borne witness for Christ.

For this devotion, we will learn about the Crown of Righteousness which is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:8: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” This crown is given to those who love the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The return of the Lord Jesus will be preceded by an event known as “The Rapture”. The Lord Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout from the archangel, and the dead in Christ shall rise and meet Him in the air. After that, those who are still alive shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord, and be with Him for ever (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

One day, every believer of the Lord Jesus Christ will meet Him in the air. This meeting will happen in the blink of an eye. When all the believers are with the Lord, there will be a period of great tribulation on the earth. The people who remain on earth will suffer many difficulties, and face the judgment of God.

After the seven years of tribulation on earth, the Lord Jesus Christ together with all those who have believed on Him will rule the earth for a thousand years. This period is known as “The Millennium”. During this period, there will be peace. There will be no war, no fighting among the people on earth because the Prince of Peace is the Ruler!

The Apostle Paul testified that he would receive the Crown of Righteousness from the Lord Jesus Christ when He returns. He would meet Him in the air and would receive his reward for patiently waiting for His return. Paul’s love for the Lord’s return was proven by what he had done for Christ. He had fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7). In other words, he had obeyed God, and fulfilled the duty that the Lord Jesus Christ had given him.

Children, where will you be when the archangel shouts? Will you be with the Lord Jesus Christ or remain on the earth? Will you be one of the saved or one of the unbelievers left behind?

You must live your life following the example of Paul. You must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and prove your love for Him by obeying His words, and patiently wait for His return. Only then will you be rewarded with the Crown of Righteousness.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Dear children, we learned last week that the reward for serving Christ can come in the form of a crown. The Bible speaks of five such crowns, and we have studied the Incorruptible Crown which is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:25. This crown is given to those who have run the Christian race faithfully till the end. In other words, they have lived a submissive life to the Word of God.

For this devotion, we will learn about the Crown of Rejoicing which is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20: “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” This crown is given to those who faithfully bear witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. The believers in Thessalonica were Paul’s hope for a future reward. They were a proof of his faithfulness in bearing witness for the Lord Jesus Christ, and he would receive from Jesus the Crown of Rejoicing in heaven.

The Apostle Paul passed by the city of Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. In the city was a synagogue of the Jews, and Paul went there to bear witness for Jesus. He reasoned with the Jews that the Christ of the Scriptures is the Jesus he preached. Though not all the Jews believed Paul’s testimony of Jesus, some did! Many of the Greeks there also believed that Jesus is the Christ.

Those believing Jews and the Greeks began to associate themselves with Paul and his companion, Silas. As they met
regularly with Paul to learn more about Jesus, a church was formed in Thessalonica. Later on, Paul could say to them, “Ye are our glory and joy” because he and Silas bore witness to them, and led them to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bearing witness for the Lord Jesus Christ is a desire to tell others about Him and this is not bound by age. Whether you are a child, teenager, youth or an adult, you can bear witness for Jesus. There are plenty of opportunities to bear witness for Him in your life.

Paul and Silas bore witness for the Lord Jesus Christ not only to the Thessalonians but to many others as well! They testified for the Lord everywhere they went and this they did all the days of their lives. They wanted everyone they met to know about Jesus. This is faithful witnessing, and they will receive the Crown of Rejoicing for it.

As a Christian, have you been witnessing for the Lord? If you have not, you will not receive the Crown of Rejoicing.

Every born-again Christian should have the desire to tell others about the Lord Jesus Christ, whether in word or in deed. Wherever you go, tell the people you meet about Jesus. You can also give them gospel tracts, or invite them to church that they may hear the Gospel and be saved. This is faithful witnessing, and it is a commitment to the Lord for life. May God help us to bear witness for Him faithfully, and receive the Crown of Rejoicing. Amen!

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Dear children, we learned last week that those who serve the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully will be rewarded. This truth is affirmed by the abovementioned verse. There is a time when every Christian has to come before the Lord Jesus Christ to receive his or her reward for the things done for Him.

The Bible mentions five different crowns as reward. Each represents a specific area of service rendered to Christ. Let us learn what they are, and how we can receive them. For this devotion, we will begin with the Incorruptible Crown.

In ancient Greece, there were the Pan-Hellenic Games. These Games were held in a four-year cycle known as the Olympiad. The Olympiad consisted of four separate sports events: the Olympic Games, Pythian Games, Nemean Games and Isthmian Games. The winner of every event will receive a wreath which is like a crown to be placed on his head as a form of recognition.

The Corinthians must have been very familiar with the games. They knew the method of training and what the rules were, for example, every participant of the games must be a Greek citizen, and those competing in the running race must run the entire race. Only one person will emerge as the winner!

These athletes went through a strict training programme. They ran under the sun or in the rain daily. They went through hardships to obtain the prize of a crown made of pine. This crown however is corruptible because after some time the pine leaves will wither.

The Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians used the Isthmian Games as an analogy of the Christian life. He exhorted the Corinthians to strive towards obtaining an incorruptible crown. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

The Christian life is a race! You need to be born again in order to participate in this race. You must believe in Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour to enter it. Rather than competing with others, the Christian is competing against
himself. He has to deny self and take up his cross daily (Luke 9:23). In every aspect of life, he has to follow the Word of God and not his own desires. Everyone who has completed the race is a victor and will receive the incorruptible crown – a crown that will never decay, but will last forever!

This Incorruptible Crown is given to those who run the heavenly race by faithfully following the Lord Jesus according to His Word. May the Lord help us to obtain this crown for His own glory. Amen!

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. John 12:26

Dear children, we learned last week about how a child can serve God. Jesus says, “If any man serve me, let him follow me”. This is the requirement set by Christ for those who serve Him. They are to obey His commandments. Everyone who serves Christ in obedience to His Word will be rewarded by God.

Today, we will meditate on the above-mentioned verse to learn about the outcome of serving Christ. There is a reward for serving Christ. This truth is affirmed by Christ Himself who said, “him will my Father honour.” This is a promise!

Jesus says, “and where I am, there shall also my servant be.” Do you know where Jesus is now? He is in heaven. Heaven is a beautiful city that Jesus has prepared for all His servants. In heaven, there is no need for the sun or electricity to light up the city; the very glory of God brightens it! The streets, which look like transparent glass, are made of pure gold. Everyone who serves Christ according to His Word will be walking on these streets.

Furthermore, Jesus promises to personally bring His servants to the beautiful city of heaven. He says, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). Is this not a comforting thought and promise to all those who are serving Christ? To be with Christ in heaven is both a reward and a promise.

Jesus continues to say, “If any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” God honours everyone who serves the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully by rewarding him with crowns. The Bible speaks of five crowns, and these will be given out in heaven. Each crown represents the specific area of service rendered to Christ, and you can receive all five of
them, God willing. We will study the five different crowns in next week’s devotion.

Are you excited about serving Christ now? You should! You must serve Christ in appreciation of all the things that He has done for you. He suffered for you, and saved you from your sins, thus reconciling you to God. If you serve Him faithfully, He promises to bring you to the beautiful place that He has prepared for you, and you will be rewarded for serving Him. Having learnt these truths about Christ, let us serve Him joyfully.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. John 12:26

Dear children, do you have the desire to serve the Lord Jesus Christ? Every Christian child should! The above-mentioned verse teaches the biblical principle of how to serve the Lord. Perhaps you are thinking, “How can I serve God as a child?”

The Bible does tell us about children who served the Lord, for example, the boy Samuel who ministered to the Lord in the temple (cf. 1 Samuel 3:1), and the little maid who waited on Naaman’s wife in Syria (cf. 2 Kings 5:2-3). The similarity of their service to God was their obedience to God’s will. Let us follow their examples, and learn to serve God together!

Young Samuel obeyed God’s will. He revealed to Eli everything the LORD said about him. Because of Samuel’s obedience to His commandments, the LORD was with him and established him as His prophet. Likewise, the little maid of Naaman obeyed God’s will by telling her mistress about the living and true God of Israel, and what the LORD could do for Naaman. The Bible tells us that Naaman was healed of his leprosy, and was also saved because of the little maid.

Obedience to God’s will is the key to serving God. This is the biblical principle!

Jesus says, “If any man serve me, let him follow me.” In other words, when we do something for the Lord, it must be done according to His will. Serving God is following Christ’s example and keeping His commandments.

The Lord Jesus has set for us the perfect example of obedience when He came down to earth to do the Father’s will (cf. John 6:38). He carried out the Father’s will obediently. Everything that Jesus did was according to the Scriptures. Therefore, when we serve Christ, we must follow His example, and do things according to the Bible.

To serve God in church, you can join the children’s choir. Singing to the Lord is obedience to God’s will. The Bible commands us to praise the Lord’s name from the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same (Psalm 113:3).

Another way to serve God is to tell of His marvellous works to others. If you are a Christian child, you should tell others about how the Lord saved you from your sins. You are also serving God when you testify for Him outside the
church like what the little maid of Naaman’s wife did when she was in Syria.

Will you obediently serve the Lord who has wonderfully saved you by joining the children’s choir and telling others about Him?

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:23-25

Dear children, we have been studying from the gospel of John for Junior Worship devotions since last year. In this gospel, we read of a specific time period which Jesus calls “mine hour” (cf. John 2:4), and this “hour” is said to have come in the abovementioned passage. What exactly does “the hour” refer to? How does it affect us? We will answer these questions in our study today.

This “hour” refers specifically to the time of Jesus’ death on the cross. He came to suffer the pain of crucifixion, and to die for the sins of the world. He teaches about His death by using an agriculture illustration: “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24). In other words, if a seed continues being a seed and does not germinate in the ground, it will not grow into a tree and bear fruit. Likewise, if Jesus did not come to die and rise from the dead, there will be no salvation for mankind.

As Jesus went through “the hour”, He suffered tremendous physical pain and shame. He was made to walk through Jerusalem, carrying the wooden cross for His crucifixion. Nails were driven through His hands and feet into the wooden cross, and it was lifted up for people to see. To be crucified is a painful and humiliating way to die. This method of execution is the cruellest in the history of mankind. In the mindset of men, suffering and death are never glorious, not to mention death by crucifixion. But Jesus gladly went through it for you and me. The Bible says that He “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Jesus went through “the hour” because of His great love for us. He died for us that we may have life in Him! The blood which He shed on the cross of Calvary washes away our sins. His resurrection assures us of the glorious hope that we have in Him as our Lord and Saviour.

Children, as you have learned the truth about Jesus’ hour, the time has come for you to examine yourselves. Do you love Jesus just as He loves you? If yes, you should show your love for Him by being submissive to your parents, and sharing your precious toys and treasured books with your siblings.

You must tell yourself, “I cannot be a selfish person anymore! I will spend more time reading my Bible and talking to Jesus (praying) rather than watching TV and playing with my PSP (PlayStation Portable). I must live a life worthy of the pain and suffering that Jesus bore for me, and give Him a daily 'hour' of my life from now on!”

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. John 12:17-18

Last week, we were encouraged by the testimony of Lazarus. He sat with Jesus to learn from Him, and told others about what the Lord Jesus had done for him. We learned from his life that we should be a diligent student of God’s Word, and we should tell others about what the Lord Jesus has done for us so that they may know, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Many of you have grown up in Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church, and through the years have witnessed many miraculous things that only the living and true God can do. But have you testified for the Lord Jesus?

For example, the building project in Ethiopia was a miracle! How could a small congregation like ours managed to raise so much money to purchase such a big piece of land? This is definitely the work of God; He moved our hearts to give willingly towards this project.

Furthermore, the Lord helped us to acquire the permission which was needed to build the Bible college and church building. The land was originally meant for commercial use. In other words, it was supposed to be a shopping centre or offices. But the Lord is good; He moved the hearts of those in authority to allow the change of use of the land for us to do His work. If not, we would have bought the land in vain.

This help from the Lord caused our brethren in Ethiopia to be very thankful to Him. They testified for Him, and their testimony was published in our church bulletin on the 1st of August 2010.

The disciples of Jesus Christ also bare record of what they had done for Him although they did not realise that the things they were doing was the fulfilment of the Scriptures. Two of Jesus’ disciples were sent ahead by Him to bring an ass and a colt to Him that He could enter Jerusalem sitting on a colt (cf. Matthew 21:1-2). When Jesus was come to Jerusalem, many people welcomed Him. Some took branches from palm trees, and laid them on the ground (like the red carpet that welcomes distinguished guest today); others lifted up their voices and shouted, “Hosanna”.

In the same way, there are many things which we are doing now that can be a testimony for Christ. For example, singing in the children’s choir. You may find it difficult or even boring at times. But singing to the Lord, and singing for the Lord is one way you can testify for Him. Dear children, how will you testify for Christ?

Much people of the Jews therefore 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. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. John 12:9-11

Dear children, we have been studying for the past three weeks about doing something for Jesus. One way of doing something for Jesus is to bear a good testimony for Him in your life. Let us learn from Lazarus, and testify for Jesus in our life.

According to the context of the above-mentioned passage, Lazarus became very sick, and he subsequently died. Four days after his death, Jesus came to Bethany, and called him out of the tomb! He literally walked out of his tomb still covered with the grave clothes. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead!

The news of this miracle (raising of the dead) travelled quickly, and in a short period of time, many people throughout the land of Israel came to know about it. When they knew that Jesus was in Bethany, they wanted to see Lazarus for themselves, and also Jesus.

At that time, Jesus was a guest in the house of Simon the leper, and Lazarus was there too. The Bible tells us that “Lazarus was one of them who sat at the table with [Jesus]” (John 12:2). Sitting together with Jesus implied that they were listening to what Jesus was saying. They were excited to learn more about the kingdom of God from Jesus, and how they could be part of God’s kingdom. The love for God’s Word is a testimony in itself.

The Bible tells us: “That by reason of [Lazarus] many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus” (John 12:11). Lazarus must have spoken to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. This was his testimony, and his life was a concrete proof of it. Remember, he was raised from the dead by Jesus, and this truth was witnessed by many people (cf. John 12:38-44).

Is your life a testimony for Jesus? It should! Like Lazarus, we have to be good students. We must sit before the Lord Jesus, and learn from Him. In order to do this, we must spend time reading the Bible, and also to pray. The love to study God’s Word can be a testimony in itself. People will be curious to know why you like to study the Bible, and if they ask you, you can take the opportunity to tell them about what Jesus has done for you.

Furthermore, you must tell them that Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour of the world. This is Lazarus’ testimony for Jesus, and it should be yours as well. Will you follow Lazarus’ example, and testify for Jesus?

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:2-3

We have been meditating on the above-mentioned passage for the past two weeks. Let us recount the lessons learnt. Firstly, we are to open our house willingly for the Lord’s use. Secondly, we can serve the Lord and His people by cooking good food for them. Thirdly, we can serve the Lord by helping to bring food to others who are busy ministering to visitors or brethren. Lastly, we are to spend time with the Lord and His people. In other words, we must read our Bible daily and come together for worship services and fellowship meetings.

Today, we will consider the action of Mary. She took a pound of spikenard and anointed Jesus. This act of hers was commended by the Lord Jesus; He even affirmed that she had done a good work on Him and rebuked those who criticised her. Let us learn from Mary; how we can do things for Jesus that will receive His commendation.

Mary gave her all to Jesus. She anointed Jesus with a pound of very costly spikenard (cf. John 12:3). Spikenard is perfume made from an aromatic Indian plant. The word “aromatic” means having a pleasing scent or odour.

This alabaster box of spikenard was Mary’s treasured possession. She must have bought it for her personal use. We know that it was worth three hundred pence (cf. John 12:5). This could have been a big amount of money! If a penny was a day’s wages, three hundred pence would mean three hundred days’ wages. It is almost equivalent to ten months of salary today! This means that it must have taken Mary a long time to save up such an amount of money to buy that pound of spikenard, and she willingly gave it all for Jesus’ sake.

Mary’s action may seem ridiculous or even wasteful to others. We read, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” (John 12:5). But the Lord Jesus defended her actions, He said, “Let her alone; why trouble her? She hath wrought a good work on me” (Mark 14:6). She had done something good for Jesus! Her action was good because she gave Jesus her best and all.

When Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church was raising funds to purchase the Church Resource Centre, there were children who gave all of their school bursaries or scholarships towards the fund. They gave them willingly for their Lord Jesus’ sake. Their action may seem to be foolish to others, but it is definitely not so with the Lord Jesus! He will surely recognise their deeds.

As the Lord Jesus had recognised Mary’s action and commended her, He would surely commend the children for their effort too. When we do something for the Lord, it should be done with the fullest of our abilities. Only such deeds will receive His approval and commendation. Do something worthy of the Lord Jesus’ commendation today!

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:2-3

Last week, we learned two things from the abovementioned passage. We were taught to open our house willingly for the Lord Jesus’ use. We can also serve the Lord and His people by cooking good food for them. There are still many things to learn from this passage, and today we shall look at another two of these.

Let us continue from the phrase “There they made him a supper; and Martha served”. We want to meditate on how Martha served. It is obvious that she brought out the food and put it on the table. Bringing the food from the kitchen to the table or to a person does not require special skills, do you agree? All that is needed is a willing heart!

Therefore, instead of taking food for yourself immediately after the worship service on the Lord’s Day, look around and see if there is any uncle or aunty who is busy talking to a visitor. Surely you are able to bring some food to them, do you agree?

By way of testimony, people usually want to speak to Pastor Koshy after the worship, and this makes it rather difficult for him to get food or coffee. But there is one aunty who always ensures that pastor gets his coffee and some food. This is one way that children are capable of serving the Lord Jesus - to bring food or a drink to someone who is busy with the Lord’s work. Will you serve the Lord in this manner?

Secondly, we read, “Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.” Lazarus and his friends made use of every opportunity they had to learn from Jesus. They loved to hear Him speak about the kingdom of God and the issues of life, and so must we!

Children, do you love to spend time with Jesus? You must grasp every opportunity to spend time with Jesus and His people. One way in which we can spend time with Jesus is to read the Bible and pray to Him. Doing such things will ensure that we grow healthily in the faith which God had given to us. Moreover, reading the Bible also teaches us about the things which God wants to do. For example, God wants every child to obey his/her parents. The Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Therefore, we learn that as Christian children, we must be obedient to our parents.

Another way to spend time with Jesus is to come together with other Christians to hear God’s Word in the church. This is something that God loves His children to do. Jesus says, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not” (Mark 10:14). Therefore, remind your parents to bring you to our Gethsemane Children's Ministry on Saturdays.

There are still things to learn from this passage. We will return again to learn from it the next time.

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:2-3

As we continue to study the Gospel of John, we come to the above-mentioned passage which tells us of people doing things for Jesus. There were those who opened their home to host Him; some cooked for Him while others sat with Him and learned from Him, and one of them anointed His feet to prepare Him for His burial. There are many things which we can learn to do for the Lord Jesus. Let us learn them today.

Simon, the leper, opened his house to host Jesus when He was there in Bethany (cf. Matthew 26:6 & Mark 14:3). The first lesson to be learnt from this passage is the willingness to let our homes be used by the Lord Jesus and His people.

There are many examples in the Bible where Christians opened their homes for God and His people. In the Old Testament, there was a woman from the town of Shunem who built a room for Elisha to rest whenever he passed by (2 Kings 4:8- 11). In the New Testament, there was Martha who opened her house to receive Jesus (Luke 10:38).

When you grow up and have a house of your own, use it to do something for the Lord Jesus and His people. You can open your house for fellowship meetings. For example, our Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry meets in different homes on Thursday mornings, and the Ladies' Prayer Group meets once a month. Are you willing to open the house that God blesses you with for His use and glory? You should!

Secondly, we read, “There they made him a supper; and Martha served.” This tells us that there were a group of brethren who busied themselves in the kitchen to ensure that there would be food for Jesus, and those who were with Him in the house. In Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church, we are blessed with many brethren who have good culinary skills. Every Lord’s Day after the worship service, there will be a refreshment team serving us and visitors with delicious food, right? These food come from those who worked very hard. They woke up early to cook, and carry it all the way from their homes to the church.

Recently, some new members of our church were blessed with a scrumptious lunch cooked by the Care Ministry brethren. Therefore, if God bless you with good culinary skills when you grow up, use it to do something for the Lord Jesus and His people! Next week, we will visit this passage again, and learn other things which we can do for the Lord Jesus and His people.

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with gravesclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. John 11:40, 43-44

The soft sounds of weeping surrounded the house of Martha and Mary in the town of Bethany. Many of the Jews had come to their house to comfort them, and mourn together with them on the demise of Lazarus, their beloved brother. The word “demise” means death. Lazarus was dead, and had already been laid in the burial cave. Both Martha and Mary were still mourning in their hearts though it had been four days since his death.

The two sisters knew of Jesus’ power to heal sicknesses. They had seen Him heal many people of diverse sicknesses before, even an adult who had been born blind. This was the reason which caused them to notify Jesus when Lazarus fell ill, and they wanted Him to come and heal their brother. But Jesus did not come before he died. As such, when Martha received news that Jesus was coming to Bethany, she rushed out of the house to meet Him, and told Him, “If thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Mary also said the same words to Jesus when they met (John 11:21 & 32). Both sisters were so confident that Jesus could heal their brother’s sickness because they had witnessed His healing power before.

Now that their brother had died, they were very sad. They did not know that their brother’s death was allowed by God to bring glory to Himself, and to show them that He has the power over life and death. They did not know that Jesus has the power to give life. It had never crossed their minds that their brother would live again.

No man is capable of giving life to a dead person. Needless to say, it is impossible to raise a man who has been dead for four days! But the Bible tells us that Jesus did just that. He is omnipotent! The word “omnipotent” means having unlimited power. Only the living and true God has such power. At His command, the dead Lazarus came forth from the burial cave, still covered and bound with his graveclothes.

Jesus has the power to give life to Lazarus again because He is God. Both Martha and Mary were very happy to see their brother alive again. Many of the Jews who witnessed Jesus display His power of giving life, believed on Him. May this study on the omnipotence of Jesus cause you to believe on Him, and receive life eternal!

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. John 11:1, 3-4

Jesus is omniscient! The word “omniscient” means having unlimited knowledge. In other words, Jesus is all-knowing. He knew that Lazarus would not die from his sickness, and that it would bring glory to God. Through the sickness of Lazarus, many of the Jews would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

When Jesus was in Bethabara, Mary and Martha sent news to Him that their brother was sick. They were hoping that Jesus would come quickly to heal Lazarus, but He did not come. Instead, He told those who were sent to Him and His disciples that Lazarus’ sickness would not end in death.

During the next two days, while Jesus was still at Bethabara, Lazarus died in Bethany. Did not Jesus say, “This sickness is not unto death”? How can He be omniscient if His words were not true? Lazarus’ death was necessary to prove Jesus’ omniscience. The truth of the matter was: Jesus was saying that Lazarus would live beyond his sickness though he died; He even knew that Lazarus had died when no one told Him about it (cf. John 11:11-14). Indeed, He is all-knowing!

When Jesus was about to reach Bethany, Martha received news of His coming, and went out of the house to meet Him. She told Him that her brother would not have died if He was there earlier. To this, Jesus replied, “Thy brother shall rise again” (John 11:23). But she could not comprehend it. Nonetheless, Jesus’ statement is another proof of His omniscience. He knew that Lazarus would live again; He had come to raise him from the dead.

Lazarus rose from the dead, and lived again because Jesus commanded him to come out of death (John 11:43-44). As he walked out of the tomb, many people who witnessed this event were astonished at Jesus’ power. By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus also confirmed that He is omniscient, and knows all things. The things which He had said concerning Lazarus’ sickness came exactly to pass.

No man is able to know all things except Jesus because He is God. It is important for Christians to realise that Jesus knows everything; nothing is hidden from Him. He knew of Mary and Martha’s desire for their sick brother. He also knows of your desires and needs. He knows what will happen in the future too. Remember, Jesus is omniscient!

Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there. John 10:39-42

Children, the above-mentioned passage tells of Jesus’ encounter with the Jews at the Temple in Jerusalem. Last week, we learned that the Jews were angry with Jesus for saying, “I and my Father are one”, and they took up stones to throw at Him for proclaiming to be God. They believed neither His words nor works which are a proof of His identity. Now, these  unbelieving Jews tried to capture Him but He escaped unharmed.

Following this incident, Jesus went over the Jordan River. He went to Bethabara where John the Baptist used to baptise people. The Bible tells us that He remained there for some time, and His disciples were together with Him. When Jesus was there, the people in Jerusalem began to ponder over the things that had happened recently, for example, John the Baptist’s testimony of Jesus as the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and the miracles that Jesus had performed. Having considered all these things carefully, many of them came to a conclusion: Jesus is God. They said, “John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true” (John 10:41).

These people had thought over the matter seriously and they wanted to tell Jesus about their faith in Him. Therefore, they travelled to find Him, and told Him, “We believe You, Jesus!” This truth is affirmed by the Bible which says, “Many resorted unto him.” The word “resort” means proceed towards. In other words, the people went to Jesus on the other side of the Jordan River in Bethabara, and told Him that they believed all that He had said, even His words and works!

Furthermore, the Bible says, “Many believed on him there” (John 10:42). When the believing Jews came to Jesus, and professed their faith in Him openly, there were many other people watching the event, and a great gospel door was opened. Among those who saw the believers’ faith, and heard them confessing Jesus, many became convinced that Jesus is God, and they believed on Him too.

How about you, dear child? Are you one of the many who after listening to the testimonies of the saints, and hearing Jesus’ words become convinced that He is God?

Praise to the Lord if you are. But if you are not, then the time has come for you to think about this matter seriously. You must consider what convinced those people to believe in Jesus. They believed because they had heard the testimonies about Jesus, and met Jesus there in Bethabara.

Today, we still hear testimonies from believers about the Lord Jesus, and we ourselves can meet Him in our own Bible reading and prayer. Are you one of the many who believe Jesus?

I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. John 10:30-33

According to the above-mentioned passage, when Jesus said, “I and my Father are one”, the Jews who heard it became very angry with Him. They understood that Jesus was proclaiming Himself as God, and yet refused to believe Him.

Who do you think is right, Jesus or the Jews? If the Jews were right, Christianity would have been a hoax. But if Jesus is right, then you must believe that He is God! You should turn to Him for the salvation of your soul. Let us now seek the truth concerning this question: is Jesus God?

The conversation between Jesus and the Jews which led to His statement “I and my Father are one” happened in Jerusalem. The Jews came to Jesus to clarify their doubts about His identity. They wanted to know whether He is really the Christ.

Since the time John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the Jews, Jesus had been telling them that He is the Christ, but they would not accept His testimony. As they did not believe His words, He told them to look at His works which bear witness to His claim (John 10:23-25). For example, He healed a man who was blind from birth, and fed five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fishes, etc. (cf. John 9:1-7 & 6:9-12). These miracles proved that Jesus is who He claimed to be. The Jews know that no one can do such miracles except God. Most of them had seen these miracles with their own eyes, and yet they refused to believe that Jesus is God. In fact, they accused Him of blasphemy, and picked up stones to throw at Him.

How about you, my children? Do you believe that Jesus is God? You should, and you must believe this truth. You have seen many miracles that the Lord Jesus has done in Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church. For example, the power of God has transformed the lives of many uncles who were once addicted to drugs but who are no longer in such bondage today! Another example is the miraculous provision of God. Though we are a small church, yet the Lord is helping us to build a big one in Ethiopia. As you have seen these miracles yourselves, do not be like the unbelieving Jews. Know and believe that Jesus is God, and turn to Him for the salvation of your soul. As for those of you who have trusted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, give thanks for your salvation and the privilege to witness His mighty works in your life.

Hoax: something intended to deceive others Blasphemy: disrespectful behaviour towards God

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. John 10:11-12

A shepherd protects his flock of sheep. After Jesus presented Himself as the Shepherd of the Jews, He taught them the difference between a true shepherd and a false one. A true shepherd will protect his sheep with his life whereas the false shepherd will not. A false shepherd will forsake the sheep when the predator comes.

A good shepherd protects his sheep without reservation. He will not hesitate to fight off the bear or lion which comes to capture his sheep. In order to protect his flock, he is even willing to die for them. The Bible says that there was such a shepherd. David was a shepherd during his younger days. Whenever a bear or lion took his sheep, he would chase after it and fight it. He was able to overcome these fierce predators, and protect his flock by the grace of God (1 Samuel 17:34-35). Such is the work of a good shepherd. He will protect his sheep even at the expense of his life.

On the other hand, there are false shepherds. The Lord Jesus calls them “hirelings” (John 10:12). These people are paid-workers who do not care for the sheep. If a wolf comes, they will flee rather than fight. As a result, the wolf catches the sheep, and the entire flock scatters!

The Christian life portrays a similar scenario. The Bible describes sinners as sheep which have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way (Isaiah 53:6). When a sheep goes its own way, there will be danger. The sheep may walk into a trap set by hunters, or it may fall off the cliff. What will happen if it meets a hungry wolf? Surely, without the protection of a good shepherd, the vulnerable sheep can easily injure itself or get killed.

Jesus is the good Shepherd who protects His flock. Like the lost sheep which needs the protection of the shepherd, we too need Jesus to protect us from our enemy, the devil, who as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Children, if you want Jesus’ protection, you must follow Him and obey His words. You must believe that Jesus is the good Shepherd who came to die for your sins. He loves you, and wants you to listen to Him. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Therefore, let us come to Jesus, the good Shepherd, who protects His sheep from the enemy.

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:7-10

A shepherd provides for his flock of sheep. After Jesus presented Himself as the Shepherd of the Jews, He went on to teach them about His provisions for them by using the analogy of the “door”. In other words, only through Him can a man find salvation, and have his spiritual needs met. This promise is affirmed by Jesus’ statement: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). There are two things for us to learn here: Jesus is the Door to eternal life, and He gives His flock spiritual nourishment.

Jesus is the Door to salvation. As the Door of the sheep, He acts as an entrance to the protection for the sheep. Sheep are vulnerable animals; they are always in danger of being hurt or killed. Therefore, they must always go to the shepherd. Being with the shepherd assures them of safety. Jesus was teaching the Jews that He alone can save them from the lake of fire. Unless they enter through Him, they will be in danger of destruction. Only through Christ is there eternal life.

The sheep that enters through Jesus finds pasture. The word “pasture” simply means food. It is the responsibility of the shepherd to find good locations where there is plenty of grass for his sheep to feed on. As the sheep needs to feed on green grass to grow healthily, a believer needs to feed upon God’s Word to grow spiritually. Jesus was teaching the Jews that He will provide spiritual food for anyone who comes to Him. The Bible is the spiritual food for Christians; it nourishes the faith of their souls. Therefore, just as you have your daily meals, remember to read your Bible daily.

Jesus also taught the Jews that the purpose of His coming was to provide those who follow Him with an abundant life. Christians have joy in their hearts because they know that Jesus their Lord provides for their every need. They have peace in their hearts too because God has forgiven their sins for Jesus’ sake. There are many other blessings which God gives to Christians that they may live life to the fullest.

Children, after learning the above-mentioned truths about Jesus’ provisions, there is one thing you ought to do. If you are a Christian, give thanks to God for your abundant life in Christ. But if you are still outside the Door, you must go in to receive salvation for your soul, and the Lord Jesus will provide you with spiritual food.

Wait no longer if you hear the Shepherd’s voice calling, “Come”. Go to the Saviour quickly; make no delay, and you will be blessed with His provisions of salvation, spiritual nourishment and an abundant life!

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. John 10:1-3

A shepherd is one who takes care of a flock of sheep. During Jesus’ time on earth, shepherds and their flock of sheep were a common sight in the land of Israel. Even today, you can still see them. When Jesus presented Himself as the Shepherd of the Jews, He wanted them to know that He is the Messiah and to believe on Him.

Jesus told the Jews who were listening to Him that a shepherd enters the sheepfold by the door; anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the door is a thief and a robber. A sheepfold usually is a walledup enclosure with a door. It was a common practice for shepherds to place their flocks into a sheepfold at night. In the morning, the shepherd will come to bring the sheep out. The porter opens the door of the sheepfold for the shepherd to enter and the sheep recognise him (cf. John 10:3). The shepherd gathers his sheep; he calls them by name, and leads them out. The words of Jesus in the above-mentioned verses were familiar to the Jews as they knew the routine of a shepherd.

Jesus taught the Jews a pictorial lesson of Himself as the Shepherd, and John the Baptist as the porter who introduced Jesus to Israel as the Son of God (cf. John 1:34); the sheepfold was Judaism that kept God’s people till Christ came.

When Jesus came to the Jews, He told them many times that He is the Messiah who came from heaven, and they must trust in Him. But many of them would not listen to Him because they were not His sheep. They could not hear His voice and could not recognise Him as the Messiah though there was the witness of John the Baptist, Jesus’ own testimony, and His works. On the other hand, there were some who heard His voice and followed Him. For example, the blind man who received his sight from Jesus (cf. John 9:38). He was Jesus’ sheep.

Children, are you like the blind man who followed Jesus, or the unbelieving Jews who rejected Jesus? You ought to be like the blind man who heard the voice of the Shepherd and followed Him.

Just as Jesus presented Himself as the Shepherd of the Jews and told them about His identity as the Shepherd of God’s people, He is presenting Himself to you as your Shepherd, if you will follow Him. Will you follow Him?