How is it that Jesus has loved us? He laid down His life for us. (I John 3:16)

John 13:34 - “a new command I give you.”
The “Golden Rule” is the basic expectation.


Old                                       New
obey commandments             sell all you have
don't commit adultery            don't look with lust
an eye for an eye                  turn the other cheek
do not murder                      don't be angry without reason
love your neighbor                 love your enemy
Golden Rule                          love as I have loved you


By giving this new commandment, Jesus is asking for a new commitment.

Are you willing to lay down your:
1. anonymity? (Matthew 10:32)
Stand up and be counted as a worker in His kingdom.

2. preferences? (Phil. 2:2)
for the good of others and a unified purpose

3. ownerships? (Phil 3:7)
for the sake of your higher calling

Faith- Believing is Seeing.
It was only when each disciple was able to exclaim “I have seen the Lord,” that they could join in the
celebration and joy of what had happened.
We must believe in Christ without having actually seen Him.


Advantages we have over the disciples
a. events recorded and documented
b. ministry of the Holy Spirit
c. the Body of Christ in action week after week

Man born blind (John 9)
The Pharisees looked for evidence to contradict the evidence they had seen for themselves- like many today.
If you know God has saved you, you know what you need to know.

Seeing isn't enough to believe, but believing is enough to see.

Jesus came to give sight to those who know they are blind, and to blind the eyes of those who think they see.

It was necessary for Paul to become blind in order to really see.

The resurrection is one of the absolute necessary doctrines of the Christian faith.

When you have been born again by the resurrecting power of God, then you can say with all confidence, “I have seen the Lord!”

“being therefore a prophet, David foresaw and spoke of Christ.”

1. vs. 1- “Why have You forsaken Me.”
II Cor. 5:21- Jesus became sin.
Gal. 3:13- Christ was made a curse for us.


2. vs. 9-10 “behold thy son, behold thy mother”
He was not just Mary's son, He was also her Savior, and ours.



3. vs. 14-15 “I am thirsty”
Jesus poured Himself out for us.


4. vs. 22 “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Heb. 2:11-12 – He is not ashamed to call us His brothers.


5. vs. 24 “today, you will be with Me in paradise.”
When we cry out to the Lord for salvation, He hears us.


6. vs. 30-31 “it is finished”
This was not an admission of defeat, but actually a claim to victory.


7. the whole psalm- “into Your hands I commit My spirit”
Jesus never doubted for a moment the deliverance of God, and was obedient, even to the point of death.

The Good Shepherd is the door.

To those inside the door
1. The door signifies safety.
We are safe from the most dangerous threat of all- the punishment of God.

2. The door signifies identity.
It is Jesus who makes the Church a special group of people.

3. The door signifies singularity.
There is only one place of entry into eternal life.

4. The door means access.
Our salvation is not a confining thing at all.
If you obey the commandments of God, you will have more freedom.


To those outside the door
1. The door signifies there is danger.
There will be a day when the door will be closed.

2. The door signifies lostness.
You are not a part of the flock that can go inside.

3. The door signifies singularity.
Many people look for other doors.

4. The door means invitation.
When Jesus gave His life, that which was previously closed, was opened up. (Rev. 3:20)

Stay near the door.