We Wish to See Jesus

Category: Bible Study

Expository studies of biblical texts, people, themes, and books.

  • The True Vine, the Vinedresser, and Bearing Much Fruit

    Jesus stated that the only way to connect with God is through Him. He is the true vine that provides spiritual life and nourishment, and the Father is the vinedresser who prunes and removes dead debris. Jesus also mentioned that even God’s followers who do not bear fruit will eventually be taken away. However, those who do bear fruit will be pruned by God to produce even more fruit. But what does bearing fruit mean? Some people believe that it means making disciples, but that is not the only way to bear fruit. Bearing fruit goes much deeper on a personal level! When the word of God is planted in our hearts, it grows and develops, eventually blossoming into something beautiful that others will see! And when the word of God shapes our character, we begin to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities are the fruit of the Spirit, and we bear them when we establish and maintain a relationship with Jesus. God refines us along the way if we remain in Christ. But without Jesus, we can do nothing. Are you connected with Him? Are you bearing any fruit?

    1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 

    2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

    3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 

    4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

    5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 

    6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 

    7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 

    8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

    ~ John 15:1-8

    Our Father who is in heaven. Hallowed be Your name. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, I desire to maintain a close relationship with You, understanding that Jesus is the One who cleanses and provides all spiritual nourishment. I am open to Your refining of my character, and humbly accept Your word into my heart! May You truly transform me from the inside out, and may Your people be mere vessels that bring all honor to You! You are the ultimate source of all sustenance, blessings, and joy!! May we stay connected with You through Jesus, and may our lives bear abundant fruit!!! Amen.

  • Those Who Do Not See May See

    In John Chapter 9, Jesus healed a man who was born blind. This act was performed with a purpose – so that the man would receive his sight and the works of God would be revealed in him (John 9:1-12). Despite this notable miracle being performed openly, there were unbelieving Jews who refused to accept Jesus. Even the man’s parents were afraid of being put out of the synagogue and distanced themselves from the situation. Although the man later testified to what Jesus had done, many continued in unbelief, casting the man out from among them (John 9:13-34). Jesus explained that the purpose of healing this man’s blindness was to indicate that He provides mankind with the ability to be spiritually illuminated. Jesus came into this world to provide spiritual insight into the needs of our souls! With this wonderful blessing, comes great responsibility, as Jesus also warned that we must be careful in how we respond to His word.

    35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”

    36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”

    37 And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”

    38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.

    39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”

    40 Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” 

    41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.

    ~ John 9:35-41

    Dear God, El Roi, I express my gratitude for the wonderful work that You have done in my life. I am thankful to Jesus for enlightening me about the spiritual realities that exist beyond our physical world. I was once blind, but now I can see the truth, because of Jesus. Thank You for Your divine word that provides me with guidance and inspiration to meditate upon. I pray for a pure heart, a clean conscience, and a clearer vision of the spiritual realm. I want to see the truth of Your word more clearly and look forward to seeing Jesus as He is (1 John 3:1-3). Please open my eyes, Lord. I long to see Jesus. Amen.

  • What Kind of Bread Would You Like?

    After Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people with only five barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:1-14), many people came to see Him the next day. However, Jesus rebuked them for their motives in seeking Him. He explained that what He offers concerns spiritual sustenance, leading to spiritual life, rather than physical blessings that only provide for the physical side of life. Many refused to accept Jesus’ teaching that day, and in fact, many left Him (John 6:22-66). We can only imagine how sad that day was for Jesus. He turned to His apostles and asked if they too were going to leave. But Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). In the past, some churches tried to attract people by offering free food, refreshments, and social functions. Nowadays, it’s common to see churches providing contemporary forms of entertainment and things that cater to the physical wants of people, such as rock/R&B music, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts. However, those who seek Jesus must have pure motives in seeking and accepting the spiritual blessings that He offers. If Jesus were to reveal our motives in following Him, would we turn away and stop walking with Him? Or would we joyfully accept Him (and His word) as the bread of life?

    26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 

    27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

    28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”

    29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

    30 Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? 

    31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ”

    32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 

    33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

    34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”

    35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.“

    ~ John 6:26-35

    Holy God in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Father, I have come to realize that Jesus has the ability and willingness to provide for both my physical and spiritual needs. Your words have revealed many truths that have touched me deeply, exposing even the thoughts and intentions of my heart (Hebrews 4:11-13). I acknowledge that some of the sayings in Your word are difficult to accept, but I trust that You only provide what is good for my soul, and I am willing to follow You even when it may be challenging. I am inspired by the example of the apostles who clung to your Son during the pivotal moments in His ministry and am aware that there will be similar pivotal moments in my walk with You. I pray for courage to choose the right course of action, always, abiding with You and Your Son. It is in Jesus’ name I pray, amen. 

  • Whoever Believes in Him Should Not Perish

    John 3:16 is one of the most frequently quoted passages of the Bible. Many suppose that by simply believing in Jesus as the sacrificial Savior, one can inherit eternal life. However, it’s important to note that Jesus said whoever believes in him SHOULD NOT PERISH but have everlasting life. Even the demons believe in Jesus and tremble (James 2:19). Moreover, we must not ignore the context of this passage. Earlier in the same chapter, Jesus told Nicodemus that unless one is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). He further stated that unless one is born of water and the Spirit, they cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). And after speaking the words of verse 16, Jesus commends “he who does the truth” while coming to the light “that his deeds may be clearly seen.” Even believing in Jesus is “the work” of God (John 6:29), and Jesus would later commission His apostles to teach others “to observe all things” He commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). Therefore, we should come to Jesus, not only believing in Him as our necessary Savior, but also accepting Him as the Lord and Master of our life!

    16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

    17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

    18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 

    19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 

    20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 

    21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

    ~ John 3:16-21

    My prayer, Jehovah hear. I am striving to follow Your will, Lord, and I humbly ask You to guide me in putting to death my old self and accepting Your will for my rebirth (Romans 6:3-6; Acts 8:22-24). Just like the apostle Paul, who died daily (1 Corinthians 15:31), I promise to continue putting to death my earthly desires and passions (Galatians 2:20). Please help me to fully understand the spiritual realities and forces that exist in the unseen, just like Nicodemus! I commit to making You the Master of my life, and I come to You with an open heart. Please protect and lead me in all your ways. It is in Jesus I pray, amen. 

  • By Those Who Come Near

    Immediately before Nadab and Abihu’s death, their father (Aaron) was “careful to do as the Lord had commanded Moses” and did things “according to the prescribed manner” (Leviticus 9:10, 16). Their disobedience towards God’s instructions about sacrifices shows that God punished them FOR DOING WHAT HE HAD NOT COMMANDED, which is AS BAD AS DOING WHAT HE HAD SPECIFICALLY FORBIDDEN! This passage highlights the importance of carefully following God’s commands and the consequences of neglecting them. Although God didn’t continue to strike priests dead every time they disobeyed, this sin occurred right after the consecration and at the beginning of their work. If God had not made His point clear at this stage, then the negligence would have spread rapidly. There is no doubt that God had the right to punish those disobedient priests and destroy them.

    1 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.

    2 So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 

    3 And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.’” So Aaron held his peace.

    ~ Leviticus 10:1-3

    Holy God. You are my Rock. The God of my salvation. May I learn from the lesson of Nadab and Abihu and always approach You with reverence and holiness, especially during worship. Please grant me wisdom to understand Your commands, examples, and inferences as they are revealed in Your word. I never want to offer service to You in a presumptuous manner or go beyond what is written. I am grateful for Your word and the blessings that come with abiding in You, but I am also aware of the great responsibility that comes with it. Please help me to maintain a sober and focused mind in these things. I also ask that You help me communicate these needs to my neighbors so that together we can honor and glorify You acceptably. In Jesus’ name I pray these things, amen.

  • A Special Treasure 

    The covenant offered to the children of Israel at Mount Sinai was based on actual obedience and not just lip service. God was presenting them with a particular way of life and character that He wanted for His people. To know and possess this life and character, one must be taught and follow the teachings. While the terms of God’s covenants have changed with each dispensation, the desire for this kind of relationship has remained the same. This relationship is expressed in the Bible as “I will be your God, and you shall be my people.” Peter’s statement that Christians are to be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” corresponds to this point (1 Peter 2:9). Christians are those who have accepted the new covenant offered by Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-32; Hebrews 7:12; 8:8-9).

    3 And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 

    4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 

    5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 

    6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

    7 So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. 

    8 Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. 

    9 And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.”

    ~ Exodus 19:3-9

    Holy God and Father in heaven. Great is Your faithfulness! Thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins. I want to become a part of Your covenant, Your royal priesthood, Your holy nation, and Your special people (2 Peter 2:9). I wish to live my life fully devoted to You (Romans 12:1-2). Through Jesus’ teachings and example, You have shown me the kind of character You want me to have. I pray that I will be obedient to You in all things and not just provide lip service (John 14:15). I resolve now to do everything that You have spoken! Please grant me wisdom and strength!! Moreover, guide me along the path that You have for me with mercy and grace!!! Amen.

  • Was It from Heaven or From Men? Answer Me

    Many believe and do things in the name of religion without having proper authority. For instance, some believe that baptism is merely an outward sign of one’s inward faith. However, where is this even mentioned in the Bible? Another example could be the use of the sinner’s prayer. Can we even find the sinner’s prayer in Scripture? If not, then we must ask ourselves whether it is from heaven or men. If we do not have heavenly authority to do something in the name of religion, then we are acting under the authority of men alone, which is dangerous territory. Therefore, if we want to do anything in the name of Jesus, we should ask ourselves: “Is this from heaven or men?” This question could help us evaluate whether our actions are in line with the teaching of Jesus.

    27 Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. 

    28 And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?”

    29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 

    30 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

    31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 

    32 But if we say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. 

    33 So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

    ~ Mark 11:27-33

    Holy Father in Heaven. You are the one and only true God. You alone are wise, and I desire to always do what is right in Your sight. I understand that man’s ways cannot direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23). I am also aware that You desire for me to walk in sincerity and truth (Joshua 24:14-15). So, I humbly ask that You sanctify me and all those who seek to follow You in Your truth (John 17:17). At times, I may be tempted to do things that seem noble but may not align with Your will. I trust in Your abundant mercy and grace for the humble. However, I also understand that Your word is meant to guide me to do things the right way – that is, Your way (Matthew 7:21-27). Therefore, I ask for Your guidance in seeking authority in all the things I say and do. I pray all of this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

  • But the Lord was with Joseph

    Joseph faced many challenges that could have led him to abandon his faith and become a pessimistic person. However, he persevered and remained a faithful servant of God! Joseph’s unwavering commitment and hard work are a great inspiration, particularly to young people who are often confronted with trials and temptations. He serves as an excellent role model for young people to demonstrate that even in the face of adversity, one can remain steadfast and strong.

    20 Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. 

    21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 

    22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. 

    23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

    ~ Genesis 39:20-23

    Holy God, I thank You for Your mercy and grace that are in Jesus. I also thank You for the example of Joseph. There have been times in my life when false accusations against my integrity have made me discouraged and tempted to give up. But Joseph’s story inspires me to persevere with faith and hard work. Despite being mistreated by his brothers, enslaved, and wrongfully accused of crimes he did not commit, he remained faithful to You and committed to doing his best. Please grant me the strength to emulate his example. May You be with me, and WHATEVER I DO, I ask that You make it prosper… Please, Lord. All to Your Glory. Amen.   

  • They Stripped Joseph 

    In Exodus 21:32, it is mentioned that the price set by Moses to redeem a slave who had been killed or disabled was thirty pieces of silver. This implies that the price for a strong young man should have been much higher. The traders who bought Joseph for twenty pieces of silver could make a profit on the deal. However, by selling Joseph for such a low price, the brothers demonstrated just how much they hated Joseph. We can only imagine the horror that Joseph faced when he was taken away from his father, who loved him, only to face the hatred of his brothers. He was then sold as a slave into a foreign land, as documented in Genesis 42:21.

    23 So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. 

    24 Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.

    25 And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt. 

    26 So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 

    27 Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened. 

    28 Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

    ~ Genesis 37:23-28

    Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I’ve noticed that sometimes when people within a group dislike each other, they try to keep their animosity and actions hidden from those in positions of authority. However, they don’t usually hide their actions from those who share their feelings and plans with them. I hope to always have a pure heart and be wise enough to avoid sinning by hating, let alone conspiring against, anyone. Moreover, when others sin against me, may I have the mind of Christ in praying for their soul, and not harbor any bitterness against them (Matthew 5:43-48; Hebrews 12:15-16). Please help me to be complete in these things. It is in Jesus’ name that I pray. Amen. 

  • Rebekah: A Bride Provided for Isaac

    The story of Rebekah and Isaac is a fascinating one. After Sarah’s death, Abraham wanted to ensure that his son would marry someone who worshipped the one true God, Jehovah. To accomplish this, Abraham sent his servant to Nahor in Mesopotamia to find a bride among his relatives. After praying for guidance, the servant found Rebekah and received confirmation that she was the one chosen by God to marry Isaac. Rebekah was willing, and the beginnings of their marriage became a wonderful story of faith, adventure, and romance in Genesis chapter twenty-four.

    1 Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.

    2 So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh, 

    3 and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; 

    4 but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”

    5 And the servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?” 

    6 But Abraham said to him, “Beware that you do not take my son back there. 

    7 The Lord God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my family, and who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land,’ He will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.

    ~ Genesis 24:1-7

    Our Father in heaven, there is no one like You. Thank You for all Your provisions, especially Jesus, who sacrificed His life for my sins. Holy God, I am certain that meeting my wife was a providential blessing from You. She is a faithful Christian and has brought many blessings to me, spiritually and physically. I thank You, God, for bringing Keri into my life, and pray that You will continue to bless our marriage and help it grow stronger. Furthermore, I pray for Your guidance and care for my three daughters. They are godly young women, and I understand that choosing the right partner will be one of the most important decisions of their lives. I pray that You will guide them and help them to make wise choices in choosing a husband. May they be directed by You in all things, and may they especially choose to marry the one You have approved for them. All of this I pray, for the betterment of our lives, spiritually. Amen.