BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled (John 14:1-4)

Jesus continues to speak concerning His glorification. He is returning to the Father to prepare a place for those who who believe in Him. This is troubling to the Eleven because they do not understand why Jesus would choose to leave them at this critical hour when His popularity is soaring and the people appear to accept Him as Messiah being ready for the Kingdom of God. To calm their anxieties Jesus explains. 

Now Is the Son of Man Glorified (John 13:31-38)

After Judas departs from the upper room, Jesus begins to instruct the Eleven concerning His glorification. However, what Jesus says concerning when and how He will enter into His glory is quite different than what they are expecting.

To Whom I Give a Sop (John 13:18-30)

After Jesus washes the disciples' feet He returns to table and announces that one of them will betray Him. Each of the disciples question the announcement and query themselves and the Lord: "Is it I?" Jesus answers:, "He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it." 

Jesus Washes Feet (John 13:1-17)

Having ended His personal ministry, Jesus spends His remaining hours with the Twelve. His last evening with them is in keeping the Passover. As he and the disciples are at table Jesus arises and girds Himself with a towel and taking a basin of water washes their feet. In this simple act of humility Jesus teaches them about Kingdom service, true greatness, and the divine love. 

The Effects of Materialism on the Home

The religion of hypocrisy is grounded in materialism. It was commonly held that wealth was an indication of righteousness (think Abraham, Job, the rich young ruler). However, those who are wealthy are tempted to trust in themselves and their riches and not God. Jesus addresses this error in the Sermon on the Mount. Let's study and make application to ourselves and the families we lead.

Therefore So I Speak

John concludes the personal ministry of Christ with a summation of His teaching and an explanation for the outcome which follows this apparently successful week in Jerusalem during this fourth Passover. Jesus has been cheered in the streets, He is marveled at for the magnificent miracles worked in the presence of all, the people desire to see Him, even the believing Gentiles seek Him. He has been proclaimed Messiah and the Son of David, He would be received as their King, but Jesus does not seek an earthly throne. This is not the will of the Father, that is not how the God of Heaven will glorify Himself and His Christ. 

The Voice from Heaven (John 12:27-36)

After Jesus spoke with certain unidentified Gentiles (12:20-26), He turned His face to heaven and said for all to hear, "Father, glorify Thy name!" Jesus exclaimed as He did knowing that the hour of His passion was upon Him. Then for the sake of those that stood by a voice from heaven answered Jesus, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." What did this voice from heaven mean? 

Baptized Into Christ Romans 6:1-7)

Why is water baptism important? Paul affirms it is in water baptism that we come into the saved relationship with Christ through the death of the old man of sin and the resurrection to newness of life.

The Tears of Jesus

Three times in the New Testament it is recorded that Jesus wept. What can we learn from  the tears of Jesus?

The Effects of Revenge and Retaliation on the Home

Jesus has much to say in the Sermon on the Mount concerning misconceptions men had and have about the teaching of Moses on revenge and retaliation. What is taught here on these things has much practical application within the family circle. Too many homes are crumbling beneath the constant barrage of tit for tat.