Author

Esther Griggs

by Esther Griggs September 30, 2022

Jesus knew the cruel days lying in wait for Him. He also recognized how it would shatter His followers. He yearned for their safety during this time and realized He must give them truth to hang onto. Therefore, Jesus told His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” God had instituted the plan. As it came to fruition, Jesus taught His disciples about the roles of God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Helper who is the Holy Spirit.

God the Father

First, He taught them that the Father is the greatest. It is He to whom Jesus pays total allegiance. He answers the prayers of Jesus and in the name of Jesus, would send the Helper to them. The Father sent Jesus, and to the Father, Jesus would return. The Father set out the direction. He also instructed Jesus on the words to speak and the actions to take. As His Father did, so did He.

Jesus the Son

Next, as Jesus walked among men, He spoke to them, the words received from His Father. Some of the words spoke of the future. When the words came to pass, it would give His disciples an anchor for their faith. John mentions this fact twice in this passage, indicating its importance,

Also, within His words lived a promise. He would leave them a gift. A gift Isaiah refers to as perfect, and Paul in Philippians refers to as beyond understanding. Jesus told them He was leaving His peace. He was giving them a peace far beyond any earthly comprehension.

The words also instructed His followers. In telling them He was going away, He also told them it should give them reason to rejoice. Why? Because He was returning to His Father. Yes, this world’s ruler was coming after Him, but He couldn’t touch Jesus. Jesus loved His Father and therefore He obeyed Him. What He would go through in the coming days would illustrate this love to the world.

The Helper, The Holy Spirit

Then he taught them that though He was returning to the Father, He would indeed return. In the meantime, however, God would send the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. He was the Helper, the Spirit of truth. He would not only dwell among them but also within them. He would teach His disciples all things, and also remind them of everything Jesus had said to them.

The days ahead would be difficult for the followers of Jesus. Nevertheless, they were necessary, as Jesus completed His work through His death and resurrection. He would not leave them as orphans. Knowing God’s plan, Jesus taught His disciples about the roles played by God the Father Jesus, the Son of God, and the Helper, who is the Holy Spirit.

September 30, 2022 0 comment

Change in Relationship

by Esther Griggs September 23, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

As Jesus lingered with his disciples in the final hours of His earthly life, He had much to relay. These men had come to know Jesus, anointed by God as His Son, their Lord and teacher. This relationship was about to change. The death and resurrection of Jesus would change His fleshly body into an immortal body. He would be returning to the Father. Although they loved and respected Him, they required further revelation. Jesus taught His disciples about this future change in relationship, to those that love Him, and to the world.

The Change in Relationship

Jesus taught them to obey His commands. Doing so demonstrated a relationship of love with God. In that relationship, Jesus would intercede and the Father, in response, would send another Helper. Jesus is leaving, but He is not leaving them as orphans, defenseless and alone. His own would know that God and Jesus are one. Because Jesus lives, they will live. As His own, His disciples would also be part of that union. God, in the plural, would come and make His home with those who love Him. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” He will be a part of them.

To Those that Love Him

Mystery surrounds the words Jesus spoke of His going away. Jesus has not yet been lifted up, nor resurrected. He teaches them that as they love Him, they will obey His commands. In that relationship of love, Jesus will ask the Father and He will send them a Helper. This Helper “may abide with you forever.” He is “the Spirit of truth. whom you know because He already lives with you and will live in you.” This time it is Judas (Son of James) who asks the question. “Lord, how is it that You will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?”

To the World

How would it be possible for the disciples to see Him when He would not be visible to the world? It was an honest question. Jesus tells them It had to do with a loving relationship, loving Jesus and keeping His word. This loving relationship opened them to the love of the Father. However, the world, having rejected Jesus and His word, cannot receive the Spirit of truth. They don’t see nor do they know Him. They do not love Him, nor keep His words, the words received from the Father who sent Jesus. The natural man cannot understand. Faith comes by hearing. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are spiritually discerned.”

Jesus taught His disciples about this future change in relationship, to those that love Him, and to the world.

September 23, 2022 0 comment

Followers of Jesus The Father The Harvest

Show Us the Father

by Esther Griggs September 16, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

On this final evening, as Jesus lingered with His disciples, it wasn’t just Thomas who didn’t get it. In John 14:1-14, Phillip struggled to understand who the Father was and asked Jesus, “Show us the Father.” Jesus spoke to Phillip, revealed the Father, and the power of their union.

**“Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”**

Jesus Spoke to Philip

I think I hear some disappointment as Jesus said, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?” Nevertheless, in His loving gentle and patient way, Jesus went on to explain that having seen Him, they had seen the Father. It was a matter of faith, of believing the words He spoke and the works He had accomplished.

Jesus Revealed the Father

There must be belief that Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Jesus. Even the words Jesus spoke came not from His own imaginations but rather from the Father. It is He, the Father within the Son, that did the work. For His disciples, it was a matter of faith. “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me,” This union, this oneness of two did not mesh with human reasoning. It demanded faith.

The Power of the Union

Power comes with believing in Jesus and the works that He does. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” Jesus in union with His Father would release the power to grow His Kingdom on earth. As His followers, “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” There was a grand purpose! God the Father would be glorified in His Son, Jesus the Christ.

September 16, 2022 0 comment

Heaven

A Secure Future

by Esther Griggs September 9, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

As Jesus looked into the eyes of His disciples, He saw fear and sorrow. God the Father gave to Jesus, words of comfort, not only for the eleven in the upper room, but the countless number looking to Him throughout the ages. Jesus, as a wise Father, spoke forth the words of a secure future, instructing the disciples how to approach the unknown, where He was going, and what He would be doing.

Approach the Unknown

Jesus knew they had a secure future in Him. “Let not your heart be troubled,” Jesus said, “You believe in God.” These men knew the stories of God throughout their history, God had created the world, called Abram out of Haran, parted the Red Sea and promised a Messiah. “Believe also in Me.” It wasn’t believe in Me instead, but rather believe also in Me. He was the way to the Father. He was also the truth and the life. They needed to trust Him as they approached the future.

Where He Was Going

Earlier He told them they could not follow Him. Later, they would. In John 14:1-6, He told them they knew where He was going, and they also knew the way. Thomas, known for His doubts, said it as he saw it. “Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus quickly reminded him that He, Himself, was the answer to His questions.

What He Would be Doing

“You see, if you follow Me,” Jesus was telling them, “it will lead you to the Father. I am going to My Father who has a big house!” His house is so big that when translators want to use the word room, the context of the word, means mansions. It’s not a one room shanty! “I would have told you if it was any different. But now, I have to go. But why must I go? I need to get a place ready for you. Now if I do so, I will also come back and get you. I want you to be with Me, wherever I am.”

Jesus, as a wise Father, spoke forth the words of a secure future, instructing the disciples how to approach the unknown, where He was going, and what He would be doing.

September 9, 2022 0 comment

Followers of Jesus Peter

Alone

by Esther Griggs September 2, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

When Judas walked out into the night, the count down to history’s most significant events was set into motion. Jesus knew his disciples were caught up in this moment of their lives and did not at the time grasp the significance. Jesus stays in this moment with them but speaks of His glory, His going on alone and how they were to proceed.

“Walk in the light as He is in the light”

His Glory

His darkest human moment lay ahead of Him and still He says, “Now the Son of Man is glorified.” He will be lifted up. In His glorification, the Father also is glorified. His greatest victory, the victory over death and the grave is also before Him. The glorification is of the Father and the Son. It is immediate.

His Going On Alone

However, it means He must go on alone. He offers words He has spoken before to the Jews, “Where I am going you cannot come.” He is only with them for a little while longer. They will want to follow but it isn’t possible. Peter protests. He has full intentions of following Jesus wherever it leads, even if it means death. He is still in a lighted room, satisfied after a good meal and having had his feet washed. Jesus hears the words, “I will lay down my life for Your sake,” and to the words He speaks truth, “The rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.”

How to Proceed

The Lord and Master speaks as a father. “My little children.” The days ahead will shake them. It will take time for them to take it in, to realize what has happened and until the Spirit of Jesus reveals it, they won’t be able to understand. Still, Jesus gives them direction. He shows them the only way to proceed. In a world where anything that can be shaken is shaken, this is the command. “Love one another as I have loved you. This is how they will know you are my disciples.” The love of Jesus becomes the logo, the anchor, the message to the world that they belong to Jesus.

Jesus stayed in that moment with them but spoke of His glory, His going on alone and how they were to proceed.

September 2, 2022 2 comments

Jesus as Lord and Teacher Jesus' Teaching Servanthood The Light

Jesus, Teacher and Lord

by Esther Griggs August 26, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

After washing the disciple’s feet, Jesus questioned them, “Do you know what I have done to you?” In this portion of John 13, Jesus, Teacher and Lord, spoke about His role, the imminent betrayal, and the betrayer.

**“You also ought to wash one another’s feet.”**

His Role

Thus far, the disciples have come to know Jesus as their Teacher and Lord. Jesus confirms this indeed is His role. Therefore, in that role, He set an example of what they should do for one another. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” He directs their thinking. “a servant is not greater than his master,” nor is he who was sent, greater than he who sent him.” Now that you know these things, you will be happy if you do them.

The Betrayal

Jesus chose these men who He would invest His life into over the years of His ministry. When He spoke of His role as their Lord and teacher, He knew there was one who did not fit. He told His disciples, because He wanted them to hear it from Him. Then, when it happened, it would further prove His role and identity. He quoted King David, “He who eats bread with Me, has lifted up his heel against Me.” It troubled His spirit. Nevertheless, it had been written and would be fulfilled.

The Betrayer

The disciples are curious. Which one of them would turn on their Lord and Teacher? Peter motions to John to ask the question lingering on everyone’s mind. “Lord, who is it?” Jesus doesn’t point His finger and say “Judas.” Instead, He keeps it in the context of the fulfillment of scripture. “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” He dips it and gives it to Judas the son of Simon. At that point Satan entered Judas and Jesus sent him to “do it quickly.” The disciples didn’t follow what was happening. They thought Jesus was sending him on an errand. John then writes, “Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.” How aptly the last four words describe the life of Judas from that point. He left the Light of the world and was swallowed in darkness.

In this portion of John 13, Jesus spoke about His role, the imminent betrayal, and the betrayer.

August 26, 2022 0 comment

love of God Peter Servanthood

God As Servant

by Esther Griggs August 19, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

Our God reigns above the three dimensional. He cannot be contained in our thoughts and ideas. Speculations beyond our understanding, dare to define the characteristics of Who He is. Jesus, descended to earth, to give us a peek into the awesomeness of our God. In John 13:1-11, the author describes an event, illuminating one small facet of our great God. Jesus, in this setting, with His knowledge, illustrated God as servant.

This Setting

The Feast of the Passover is close at hand. Jesus dines in a room with his disciples and they have just finished eating. The devil has already placed in the heart of Judas, to betray Him. He loves these men deeply, all of them. Surely it grieved Him. Still, when the temptation could have been to wallow in self pity and despair, He laid aside His own garments and took up a towel.

His Knowledge

Jesus knew His time had come to leave the world and to return to His Father. He knew that the Father had placed all things into His hands. He had come from God and was returning to Him. He would love these God had given Him, despite His knowledge of the betrayer, to the end.

God As Servant

In this setting, with these men He loved so deeply, having His knowledge of the past, present and future, He removed His garments and put on a towel. Then he poured water into a basin, began to wash their feet and wipe them with His towel.

We get a glimpse of how it made them feel. Peter doesn’t like it. It was uncomfortable. This was the Master. He knew he didn’t measure up to Him. Jesus tells Peter that some day He will understand, but for now, he needs to allow it, in order to be apart of Him. Peter figures that in such a case, Jesus should wash all of him. He wants to be all in. “You are clean, but not all of you.” Jesus knows as He bends down to wash the feet of these men He loved, how Judas, would betray Him. Still, Jesus, the fullness of God, as servant pours out His love on each one.

Jesus, in this setting, with His knowledge, illustrated God as servant.

August 19, 2022 0 comment

The word

God’s Word

by Esther Griggs August 5, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

The Book of Hebrews begins, “God who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” As we look to John 12:37-50, John writes about the fulfillment of the words God spoke through Isaiah, how Jesus embodied the words of God and how God’s word is everlasting life.

God’s Word Through the Prophet

One of the proofs of a true prophet was fulfilled prophecy. John writes that despite all the miracles Jesus performed, they did not believe. He tells his readers the reason is fulfillment of the words of Isaiah. When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, with His train filling the temple, he spoke of the Lord Jesus. “Lord who has believed our report?” and “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes and understand with their heart,” The word of God spoken by Isaiah the prophet was by their rejection of Jesus, validated.

Jesus Embodies the Word of God

Still there were those who believed in Jesus They kept quiet because if the Pharisees knew, they would be put out of the synagogue. John says they loved the praises of men more than the praise of God. To believe in Jesus meant belief in God. The life of Jesus was a light. Those who believed walked no longer in darkness. Jesus embodied the word of God; however, some rejected Him and the words He spoke. Those rejected words would become that which will judge them in the end.

His Word, Everlasting Life

Jesus made it clear that the words He spoke came from God the Father. The words of the heavenly father were and are everlasting life. As His Father told Him to speak, those were the words that He spoke. To hear the words of Jesus was to hear the words of God, words of everlasting life. John writes about the fulfillment of the words God spoke through Isaiah, how Jesus embodied the words of God and how God’s word is everlasting life.

August 5, 2022 0 comment

Cross of Christ The Light

For One Purpose

by Esther Griggs August 5, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

Jesus was born into a Jewish family. He could have had an amazing career or married and had a family. The choices were before Him as He grew and became a man. Still, Jesus chose one purpose, despite the means necessary to do so, and was the light of the world.

One Purpose

One desire drove Jesus forward. He yearned to glorify His Father in heaven. This one purpose directed His choices. When the choice weighed heavy, His purpose held Him. It became the objective of His prayer, one His Father heard and answered by saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” The crowd heard it. Some thought it thundered while others insisted it was the voice of an angel. Jesus said the voice came not for His sake but for theirs.

Despite the Means

Jesus further explained that if He was lifted up, He would draw all peoples to Himself. John writes, “This He said signifying by what death He would die.” The Jews understood being lifted up as death by crucifixion. At the same time, it reminded them of when Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness. When the people looked at Moses, they were rescued from the bite of the serpent. Jesus, in like manner, would be lifted up and He would draw all peoples to Himself. It was time for the judgement of the world and the casting out of the ruler of the world.

The people understood from the law, that the Christ would live forever, so how could this man speak of death. Besides, who was this Son of Man? It was a stumbling block to them.

The Light

Jesus then spoke of a temporary light. It was a blinding light. “Walk while you have the light, believe in the light,” He told them “that, you may become sons of light.” If you don’t stay in the light, the darkness will overtake you and you won’t know where you are going.

In the first chapter of John, he identifies Jesus as the true light of the world. Now with the death of Jesus at hand, they must believe the light in order to be sons of light. They must believe in Jesus.

After these words, Jesus departed. He was hidden from them. God gave Him the privacy He needed after giving the lesson. Jesus chose one purpose, despite the means necessary to do so, and was the light of the world.

August 5, 2022 0 comment

Followers of Jesus Jesus' Teaching

A Lesson for Seekers

by Esther Griggs July 29, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

Jesus was between the praises of Him as King and His impending death on the cross. As a human, this God knowledge, was a heavy weight. His choice was to glorify His Father by being obedient and He knew going through a cruel death was the price. At this time some Greeks wanted to see Him. Jesus, hearing of these seekers, used a grain of wheat as an illustration and then gives an application.

**“If it dies, it produces much grain”**

Seekers

John writes that these men were Greeks who had come to worship. God never was exclusive to the Jews. He did however choose them as the vehicle to proclaim Himself to the world through His Son Jesus. When His Son came, it was to the Jews first. Yet here were God-fearing Greeks and this group wanted to see Jesus. They came to Phillip first who then told Andrew. Together, they went to tell Jesus.

A Grain of Wheat

The cross and resurrection were before Jesus. The time had come. He told Phillip and Andrew, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.” Then He tells them a simple story about a grain of wheat. He wants to be understood. First, He says, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone.” Then He states it differently. “If it dies, it produces much grain.”

The Application

What was He trying to tell them? He continued.

“He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life,” Jesus said.

Somehow in the grasping and clenching of our lives, there is death. Yet in the releasing of it all to our loving Heavenly Father, there is not only life for ourselves, but the life is reproduced. At a baptismal service recently, it was so beautifully depicted, the symbol of being buried with Christ and rising to newness of life through His Spirit.

Jesus further spoke to servanthood. To serve Him, is to follow. “Where I am, there My Spirit will be also,” He told them. The Father honours anyone who follows Jesus. To follow Jesus, to be His servant, means being as the grain of wheat. It will bring not only fruit, but them, the Father, will honour. Jesus, heard of these seekers, used a grain of wheat as an illustration and then gave an application.

July 29, 2022 0 comment

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