Weekly Guide：Week 97
December 01, 2019
Foreword
We continue to read the Gospel of John. When the world was created, God’s spirit was hovering over the water, darkness was over the surface of the deep. By His word, all things were made and order was form from chaos. When the world has fallen, Jesus took food in doing the will of the one who sent Him and to finish His work, and through His death, the savior saves mankind from their sin. Through the Word that became flesh, the Holy Spirit came into the fallen world and brings hope to mankind so they may look up joyously to the Creator, to give glory to the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
May you all be renewed in His word every day!
Question
Why did Jesus wait two days before seeing Lazarus?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
A man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany.
-
When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
-
Jesus went to Lazarus. He knew he was dead and had already been in the tomb for four days.
-
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
-
When Jesus saw the Jews were weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Jesus wept.
-
Jesus said, “If you believe, you will see the glory of God.”
-
Jesus looked up, prayed, and called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out.
-
The Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus ever since.
Meditation: My Story
- Fidelity -Martha and Mary asked Jesus to help. They both said the same thing, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” However, Jesus replied to them in two different ways. Why? How does Jesus remind me when caring for others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Why did Mary pour the expensive perfume on Jesus?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Six days before the Passover, Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.
-
The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!”
-
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”
-
Jesus said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
-
Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet.
-
Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.”
Meditation: My Story
- Fidelity - Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” This parable tells us the meaning of His life, it also encourages us to think about the meaning of our life. How may I let God use me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Why did Jesus wash His disciples’ feet?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Jesus got up from the meal, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
-
Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
-
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
-
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
-
Jesus said to Peter: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - For Jesus is our Lord and yet, He washed His disciples’ feet. To learn from Jesus’ example, we shall wash each other’s feet. What does it mean to “wash” feet for each other? Am I willing to wash my fellow Christians’ feet?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What is the way to the Father?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Jesus said His father’s house has many rooms and that He is to prepare a place for His disciples.
-
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
-
Jesus would ask the Father, and to give us another advocate, the Spirit of truth.
-
Whoever has Jesus’ commands and keeps them is the one who loves Him.
-
The Holy Spirit will teach the disciples all things.
-
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”
-
Jesus said, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”
-
Jesus said, “You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Jesus tells us, whoever believes in Him will do the works He has been doing, and He will do whatever we ask in His name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. God promise to give what we ask, because we will do what Jesus does. Are my prayers following Jesus’ will?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What does the Holy Spirit do when He comes?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
When the Holy Spirit comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.
-
When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.
-
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
-
Jesus prayed to the Father, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”
-
Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Jesus said, “This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” How do I know God, know Jesus Christ, and receive eternal life?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did Judas betray Jesus?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and He and His disciples went into it.
-
Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers. They arrested Jesus and bound him.
-
Peter’s first denial.
-
Peter’s second and third denials.
-
Jesus tried before Pilate. Pilate found no basis for a charge against Jesus.
-
The Jews did not want to release Jesus but would rather release Barabbas, who had taken part in an uprising.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Jesus said He came to testify for the truth but Pilate retorted, “What is truth?” Do I believe there’s one absolute truth? What is my standard for truth?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Nehemiah start rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Nehemiah fasted and prayed for the land of his ancestors.
+ King Artaxerxes let Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall.
+ Nehemiah inspected Jerusalem saw its wall lies in ruins and its gates have been burned with fire.
+ Nehemiah called the people to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Nehemiah heard about the wall of Jerusalem and fasted and prayed. What attitude can I see from him toward his country and people? Do I prioritize serving God higher than my own needs?
+ **Fidelity** - Nehemiah was a leader and did not act in recklessness. What spiritual principles can I learn from him? How may I apply what I learned in my daily life and service?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the people work together to rebuild the wall?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The people worked together to rebuild the gates in order.
+ Sanballat became angry and was greatly incensed when he heard that the Israelites were rebuilding the wall.
+ Sanballat plotted to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.
+ The enemies did not come when they heard that the Israelites were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Sanballat was incensed when he heard about the Israelite's plan. Am I discouraged by my own weakness? How may I be strengthened and encouraged?
+ **Fidelity** - Rebuilding the wall is a long and arduous process. But it was rebuilt in fifty-two days. What does work sharing means to God's kingdom? Are the challenges remaining in my co-working with others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Forward
We continue to read the book of Nehemiah this week. The attacks from their enemies escalated when Nehemiah's plan was going well. The Israelites worked in the daytime and took on defensive positions at night. They had to bear arms when went out for water. We often have to work relentlessly when we are in pursuit of something valuable. Going backward is not a meaningful choice when facing challenges, but success is brought by perseverance.
Those who persevere will be saved. It is not that they are never under pressure or without doubts, but from the Holy Spirit, they receive the strength to continue. Persevere in faith, in His word, to build on a solid and unshakable foundation, to hold fast the original believe, would be victorious in Christ.
May you all be renewed each day in God's word!
### Question
What was the reaction of all surrounding nations when the wall was completed?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The people raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews because they are living in poverty.
+ Nehemiah was very angry when he heard this outcry.
+ For the twelve years Nehemiah was appointed the governor in the land of Judah, he never ate the food allotted to the governor.
+ When the enemies heard Nehemiah had rebuilt the wall, they schemed to harm him.
+ The wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.
+ When all enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of God.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - Nehemiah accused the nobles and the officials that they were charging their own people's interest. May we tell the truth with love to those who are doing things not pleasing the Lord? What do I need to be careful about?
+ **Fidelity** - Nehemiah was responsible and diligent in his service because he understood the importance of his ministry. How do I value my own service?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Nehemiah do after the completion of reconstructing the wall?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ After the wall had been rebuilt and doors were set in place, the gatekeepers, the musicians and the Levites were appointed.
+ Hanani and Hananiah the commander of the citadel were put in charge of Jerusalem. Hanani was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do.
+ God put it into Nehemiah's heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families.
+ The whole company numbered 42,360.
+ The list of some heads of the families contributed to the work.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - To rebuild the wall, Nehemiah assembled the people to unify them and bought them to become one. We need to be aware that serving is not just to get things done, but to build relationships in constructing Christ's body. What can I learn from this?
+ **Fidelity** - What was Nehemiah's criteria to put Hanani in charge? What can I learn from this?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why did all the people come together?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ In the seventh month, Ezra read aloud the Law before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
+ Nehemiah and Ezra said to the people: "This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
+ The whole company built temporary shelters and lived in them. They celebrated the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What were the people's reaction when Ezra praised the Lord, the great God? When I worship, do I shout out amen from within my heart?
+ **Identity** - Why did the people weep when they listened to the word of the Lord? Why did they celebrate in great joy later? Have I experienced similar feeling when worshiping God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the Israelites make a covenant with God?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. They confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors.
+ The Levites praised the Lord that He created everything and delivered Israel time after time.
+ They confessed their sins against the Lord.
+ In view of all this, they made a binding agreement, put it in writing, and affixed their seals to it.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Why did the people fast? What does it mean for the confession of their sins? Through prayers, do I have a better understanding of my spiritual identity and original sins?
+ **Identity** - What does it mean to Israelites' understanding of God by looking back in history? Do I often look at God's blessing from the past so I may know better God's will?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who is Christ? Do you know Him?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Christ is prophet, high priest, king, and all of God's mysteries.
+ Christ is the Son of God, is the radiance of the glorious God, is the exact representation of God's being, and superior to the angels.
+ Christ is the creator and through Him the universe was made.
+ God is the one in control that the universe follows His plan, not to the left, not to the right. Jesus is the appointed heir of all things.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Think about the miracle of God's creation and my understanding of His glory with the knowledge that Jesus is the creator of the universe. How does this affect my identity and value?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Jesus accomplish the salvation?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ We must pay careful attention to God's word as it is crucial to our eternal lives.
+ The salvation was first announced by the Lord, then confirmed by those who heard Him, then testified by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by the gift of Holy Spirit distributed by His will.
+ Do not ignore God's salvation. Willingly missing it will cause the utmost regret.
+ Mankind was made a little lower than the angels, but still God gave mankind the authority over all creations.
+ Jesus is our savior. He suffered death of flesh and blood so that we may be saved and freed from the slavery of our fear of death.
+ Jesus' resurrection dissolved the power of sin and won over the authority of death.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - How does keeping in my mind the Lord's grace and paying careful attention to God's word help me strengthen my identity and value?
+ **Identity** - How does the knowledge that we were made little lower than the angels, but still God gave us the authority over all creations helps me with my identity and value?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
In what does Jesus surpass Moses?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Moses was a servant of God in the old testament, but he fell far short of Jesus who is the Son of God.
+ Jesus builds the house of eternity.
+ We ought to make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following the example of disobedience.
+ The word of God is alive and active.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Have I entered God's rest? What is impeding me from entering God's rest?
+ **Community** - Am I often encouraging and lifting up others so that they would not be deceived?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How to understand Jesus' duty as the great high priest
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Lord is the source of growth of our spiritual lives, we shall depend only on Him and make Him the goal of our focus.
+ Jesus is the great high priest of grace and faith, the priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
+ Jesus can empathize with our weakness, has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin.
+ Jesus completely obeyed God's will to bear for us our suffering.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - How am I willing to accept and understand those who are weak in faith or have already fallen to encourage them to get closer to God?
+ **Integrity** - Bible teaches us to move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity. Am I mature or still in the infant stage of my spiritual growth? How would I move forward in the knowledge of truth?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What are the differences between the priesthood of Jesus and Aaron?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus is the great high priest in the order of Melchizedek, not of the Aaron's.
+ Jesus is eternal and His priesthood is forever and permanent so that He is able to save completely those who come to God through him.
+ Melchizedek blessed Abraham. Jesus surpasses any man and blesses all mankind.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - What role does Jesus, the great high priest, play in my relationship with God? Jesus is worthy of all praises and glories. How am I worshiping Him every day?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why is the new covenant superior?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus' ministry is superior as He is the mediator of the superior covenant.
+ We may reconcile with God only through Jesus as He is the mediator of the new covenant which we shall have faith in.
+ God writes His laws on man's heart and makes Himself known, forgives his wickedness, and remembers his sins no more.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Do I understand the meaning of "I will be their God, and they will be my people?" Do I often remind myself of my identity as God's people?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses