Today’s reading: Num 7:1–47, John 14:1–31, Ps 8:1–9

Today’s theme: The exclusive gospel

There are varied lessons in today’s reading including the exclusive nature of the gospel which means in summary that Jesus is the only way.

Numbers 7:1–47

Show unified support

And the LORD said to Moses, “They shall offer their offerings, one chief each day, for the dedication of the altar.” Numbers 7:11 (ESV)

This is a very repetitive part of scripture and it may seem hard to find application. However some important points are illustrated. The leaders all showed equal support for the priesthood and ministry, meaning worship was for and supported by every tribe.

The giving of the gifts is recorded directly after the priestly prayer of blessing we read yesterday as though it is in response to it. This outpouring of generosity in response to God’s blessing will lead to further blessing.

We are all equally called to respond to God’s grace to us by giving our very lives and our money in support of the ministry for God’s glory and our joy.

John 14:1–31

The exclusive gospel

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)

Jesus’ answer to Thomas is the sum of the exclusive claim of Jesus and the gospel. Jesus is the only way to God because He is the truth (Gods ultimate self revelation) and the life (He has life in Himself and so makes us alive).

This is the solid ground to stand on when sharing the gospel with those from other religions, explaining that no other way will ever work or be sufficient…only Jesus.

Boldly ask

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:14 (ESV)

We can boldly ask Jesus in prayer and He will do it. He will do the greater works through and for us.

Evidence of love

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, John 14:15–16 (ESV)

Keeping Jesus’ commands is proof that we really love Him. We keep His commands because we love Him. The desire to keep His commands springs from our love for Him.

The Helper

even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:17 (ESV)

Muslims say this is Mohammed… this is impossible. He was not alive for another 600 years and Jesus said the Helper was already with the disciples and would dwell inside them.

Psalm 8:1–9

Scripture, fulfilled

Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. Psalm 8:2 (ESV)

Fulfilled in Matthew 21:16 when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

What is man

what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:4 (ESV)

When we consider the vastness of God’s creation, His power and glory we recognise our insignificance in light of Him. The great question is why has God been so gracious to man? The answer can only be His love demonstrated most clearly by Jesus becoming a man to save us.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on John 14