JOHN 1: WITNESS TO JESUS

 

John 1:6-8

[6] There was a man sent from God whose name was John. [7] He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. [8] He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

A witness is someone who testifies to the truth based on what they have personally seen, heard, or experienced.

In John 1, we see many parts on witnessing about the Lord Jesus

...John the Baptist witnessing to priests and Levites - John 1:23, 26-27

[20] He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”

[23] John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ”

[26] “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. [27] He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

 

...John the Baptist witnessing to people  -John 1:29, 32, 34

[29] The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

[32] Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.

[34] I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

 

....John the Baptist witnessing to his two disciples - John 1:35-36

[35] The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. [36] When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

 

....Andrew, a disciple of John the baptist witnessing to Simon - John 1:41-42

[41] The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). [42] And he brought him to Jesus.

 

....Philip, a follower of Jesus witnessing to Nathaniel -John 1:45-46

[45] Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” [46] “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

 

.... also John the apostle who has written this chapter have revealed many truths about Jesus - John 1:1-4, 14

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

[14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

This truth is very important to us and so much more to those who have not yet known the truth.

Being a witness Jesus bring about great blessing to people especially to those who seeks for the truth.

 

- Witnessing informs/reveals truth

John 1:34  I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

 

- Witnessing points to the truth

John 1:36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

 

- Witnessing creates path/encounter with Jesus

John 1:37-39 [37] When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. [38] Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” [39]  “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him.

 

- Witnessing saves people

John 1:7, 12 [7] He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.

[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

 

- Witnessing changes lives

John 1:4-5 [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

What a profound profession that we can all do for the Lord and to the people. LET’S BE WITNESSES TO JESUS!

 

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

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PAS MELODY - JCRC CAMBODIA

Luke 24: JESUS STILL SHOWS UP

 

JESUS STILL SHOWS UP

Even after His resurrection, Jesus did not remain distant from His followers. He personally showed up to them in their moments of grief, confusion, and fear.

Luke 24 reveals three ways Jesus still shows up to His people today:

1. Jesus Shows Up to the Women Luke 24:1–8

- The women came to the tomb seeking Jesus, even in their sorrow. There they received the message: “He is not here; He has risen!” (v. 6).
- Jesus reveals Himself to those who faithfully seek Him, even when they do not fully understand what He is doing.

2. Jesus Shows Up to the Men on the Road Luke 24:13–32

- The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were discouraged and disappointed. Jesus walked alongside them, explained the Scriptures, and opened their eyes to recognize Him.

“Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road?” (v. 32)

- Jesus draws near to those who are discouraged and helps them see God's purpose through His Word.

3. Jesus Shows Up to the Eleven Disciples Luke 24:36–49

- The disciples were gathered behind closed doors, filled with fear and uncertainty. Jesus suddenly stood among them and said, “Peace to you.” (v. 36)
He showed them His hands and feet and reassured them of His presence.

- Jesus meets His followers in their fears and replaces anxiety with peace and assurance.


How Does Jesus Show Up to you Today?

Jesus showed up to the women who sought Him, the men who were discouraged, and the disciples who were afraid. The same risen Savior still shows up today—to those who seek Him, struggle with disappointment, and battle fear.

No matter where you are—grieving, discouraged, or afraid—Jesus still shows up.

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PASTORA MATET - JCRC HANOI

LUKE 23: DEEPEST COMPASSION

 

Scripture: 

Luke 23:34 "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing". And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Luke 23 shows Jesus suffering from the hands of the accusers but He offers ultimate grace to His tormentors who shown Him greatest humiliation.

In verse 1 says, “Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate”. All the people, rich and poor, sinners and righteous, believers and unbelievers, with and without authority, all the multitude send Jesus to Pilate to crucify Him, to kill Him.

The sins that people committed -

• Ø  False accusation, pride, mocking (verse 2-11)
• Ø  Cruelty (verse 18)
• Ø  Injustice (verse 21)
• Ø  Insults (verse 35)

We sin continuously and never deserving of God’s forgiveness and just like the multitude in verse 1, we too, we sent Jesus to crucify Him.

We crucify Jesus when we -

False accusation, pride, mocking (verse 2-11)

•      Misrepresenting Jesus teachings or attributing false motives to His ministry
•      No humility, self-dependence, doing things according to own self
•      Using God’s name in vain, ignoring and neglecting God’s word even if already taught and knew

Cruelty (verse 18)

•         Mocking God’s message by disrespecting, ridiculing or suppressing God’s teachings of love, forgiveness and compassion
•         Persecuting believers by discrimination or harming individuals simply for practicing their faith in Christ by humiliation
•         Neglecting those people in need, ignoring the poor basic needs, the sick, the hungry and the homeless
•       Not praying for others

Injustice (verse 21)

•  Compromising truth for personal gain and approval from others
•  Twisting God’s word and fitting to what we want
•  Condemning others while ignoring personal hypocrisy
•  Abandoning the core command to love your neighbor

Insults (verse 35)

• Discarding or actively speaking against the Bible teachings
• Idolatry, holding on to the favorite sins and justifying those in our lives
• Disobedience, negligence, no desire or totally ignoring on God’s word and no transformation

But Jesus on the cross, He asks God to forgive His executioners, verse 34 Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  

God's grace is extended even to those who cause profound suffering, ignorance, and injustice.

Jesus deep compassion provides -

         Ø  Unconditional forgiveness: Jesus forgives his tormentors without them asking for it. We are forgiven completely and saved so we may live according to God’s purpose.

         Ø  Mercy over Retaliation: He focuses on the spiritual peril of his executioners rather than his own physical pain. The urgency of sharing the good news on Jesus and to accept Him as our only Lord and savior, our only deliverer from hell.

        Ø  Exposes blindness through Sin: His phrase "they know not what they do" highlights that humanity is blinded by spiritual ignorance. The Holy Spirit exposes our sins so that we may be convicted to make it right with God and not to condemn us leading to falling away

       Ø  True repentance: That we may persevere daily to follow Christ even it cost us leaving our comfort, family, career and dreams. To always seek God immediately when we fall and never to give the devil the chance to rule our lives.

       Ø  God’s message to us: Intercessory prayer, to extend prayer to our families, Brothers and Sisters, our nation, and to the lost, as the Bible teaches that we are responsible for the need of a Savior. Believers are to love their enemies, pray for their persecutors, and release bitterness to anyone.

Jesus assures us it is never too late to turn to God, verse 42 the criminal who is also crucified said to Jesus, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And verse 43 says, Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

People might have done to us as well –

• ·         Unkind words
• ·         Discrimination
• ·         Harsh judgement
• ·         Slander
• ·         Gossip
• ·         Lying
• ·         Self-righteousness leading to deception.

Have we shown compassion to them by leading them to Christ?

Have we set aside the emotions, the rights “I deserve”, the worldly response “that’s his problem not mine” by rebuking them and showing them Jesus love?

Is our lives a testimony of God’s forgiveness who forgives those who wronged against us?

Have we allowed Jesus correction in our lives as a response to His deep compassion to us in the cross?

Are we persevering to follow Christ not only in words but in action in response to Jesus plead to the Father to forgive us from our sins?

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father thank you that even now you are merciful and compassionate apart from our sinful lives. Forgive us Father God for the times that we keep on crucifying you through our hardened hearts, disobedience, being lukewarm and turning our back from you. No words to describe how good you are to us; we are unable to measure the depths of your love even we are never and will never be worthy of it all. Lord Jesus, may we take your sacrifices in the cross with humility and complete surrender. May we deeply recognize your purpose in our lives, to live daily aligned with your word and to lead others especially the lost to Jesus. In Jesus mighty Name we pray, Amen.

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ELDER ERNELYN - JCRC CAMBODIA

LUKE 22: WHEN THE ROOSTER CROWS…

Scripture:

 Luke 22:33-34, 60-62

³³ But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

³⁴ Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

⁶⁰ Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. ⁶¹ The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” ⁶² And he went outside and wept bitterly.

 

Observation:

In Luke 22:33, Peter boldly expressed his love and loyalty to Jesus. He confidently declared that he was willing to go with Him to prison and even to death. Peter sincerely believed he would never abandon Jesus.

However, just as Jesus predicted, Peter faced a moment of testing. Three times he was asked if he knew Jesus, and three times he denied Him. Then the rooster crowed. At that moment, Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter. No words were spoken. No rebuke was given. Yet that single look, combined with the rooster's crow, awakens Peter's heart. He remembered Jesus' words, recognized his failure, and responded with genuine repentance.

How often are we like Peter? We confidently declare our devotion to God and our commitment to obey Him. Yet when trials, fears, pressures, temptations, or opportunities for compromise come, we sometimes deny Him through our actions, choices, and attitudes. We choose comfort over obedience, self-interest over surrender, or silence when we should stand for Christ.

Yet the beauty of this passage is not merely Peter's failure but Jesus' unwavering love. Jesus knew Peter would fail long before Peter himself realized it. He knew Peter's weaknesses, fears, and struggles, but He never stopped loving him. The Lord's look was not one of condemnation but of compassion—a loving reminder that Peter's failure was not the end of his story.

In the same way, God knows our weaknesses, shortcomings, and struggles. Nothing surprises Him. Yet His love remains constant, and His grace continually invites us back to Him.

Just as God used the crowing rooster to awaken Peter's heart, He often uses "rooster crows" in our own lives to remind us of His presence and His truth. Sometimes it comes through a sermon that speaks directly to our situation, a Bible verse that touches our heart, a rhema shared by our fellow believer through devotion, a conviction during prayer, a restless conscience, an unexpected conversation, or circumstances that get our attention.

These moments may seem ordinary, but they are often God's gentle reminders—His rooster crows—calling us to return to Him before our hearts drift further away.

Application:

Pay attention to God’s rooster crow

God is constantly speaking to His children and drawing them closer to Himself. The question is: Are we listening?

Conviction is often uncomfortable, but it is evidence of God's love and care for us. While condemnation pushes us away from God, conviction draws us back to Him. A hardened heart ignores conviction, but a humble heart responds to it.

When God points out an area of sin, compromise, unforgiveness, pride, or disobedience, His goal is not to shame us but to restore us. Every warning is an expression of His grace, and every correction is an invitation to deeper fellowship with Him.

Today, pay attention to the areas where God may be speaking to you. He may be calling you to repent of sin, obey His leading, forgive someone who has hurt you, trust Him in a difficult situation, or surrender something you have been holding onto. Do not ignore His gentle warnings or the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Like Peter, we will all experience moments of failure, but failure does not have to be the end of the story. When we respond to God's conviction with humility and repentance, we find His forgiveness, restoration, and grace.

Don't ignore God's rooster crows. Respond while your heart is still sensitive to His voice. Every rooster's crow is a reminder of God's love, a call to repentance, and an invitation to return to Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for loving me even when I fail You. Like Peter, I often make promises that I struggle to keep and rely too much on my own strength. Forgive me for the times I have denied You through my words, actions, or compromises. Help me recognize the ways You are speaking to me and calling me back to You. Give me a humble and sensitive heart that responds to Your conviction and correction. Remove any pride in my life. Thank You that Your love never changes, Your mercy never fails and that Your grace always welcomes me home. Help me walk faithfully with You each day. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

 

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ELDER HANNA - JCRC CAMBODIA

Luke 21: GIVING EVERYTHING

 

S – Scripture

“Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.” Luke 21:3

O – Observation

At first, the widow’s offering looked very small and unimportant.

 Two small coins—hardly enough to catch anyone’s attention.
 Yet among all the people giving that day,
Jesus noticed her.

Why? Because while others gave from their abundance, the widow gave from her poverty.

Those two coins were not just money;
 they represented her livelihood, 
her security, and perhaps even her next meal.

 In the eyes of the world, she gave very little.
But in the eyes of Jesus, she gave EVERYTHING.

What touches the heart of God is not the size of our offering but the surrender behind it.
The widow’s act was a declaration of faith:
 “Lord, I may not have much, but what I have belongs to You.
Ikaw ang aking provider. 
Ikaw lang ay sapat na.”

I believe this passage is not merely about giving finances.
It is about a heart that has made God its everything.
Many people can give something to God, but only a few are willing to entrust everything to Him—their dreams, fears, future, comfort, and control.

The widow teaches us that true faith begins where human security ends. She trusted God’s hands more than what remained in her own hands.


A – Application


Many of us are holding on to something that God is asking us to surrender. 
It may not be money. 
It could be a plan,
 a relationship,
 a fear, a hurt,
 or a dream that we don’t want to release.

We often say, “Lord, You are my everything,” but when God touches the areas we treasure most, doon nasusubok ang ating trust sa Kanya.

The widow could have reasoned,
“These two coins are all I have left.”
 But instead of clinging to them, she placed them in God’s hands.
 She chose faith over fear.

The widow gave her EVERYTHING because she believed God was EVERYTHING she needed.

Mga kapatid, God is not asking us to give Him what we don’t have. He is asking us to trust Him with what we do have. Whether it is our time, resources, talents, or even our deepest struggles.
He wants our full surrender.

Because the truth is this: 

Jesus is not looking for a place in our lives; 
He desires to be our EVERYTHING

❤️Check:

What am I still holding on to that God is asking me to surrender today?

The world teaches us to hold tightly to what we have, but faith teaches us to hold tightly to God.
The widow walked away from the treasury with less in her hands but more trust in her heart. She understood that when God is your everything, you can surrender anything.

Today, let us not give God our leftovers.
Let us give Him our whole heart.
For when Jesus becomes our everything, we discover that He is truly more than enough. 



P – Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the poor widow. Forgive me for the times I have trusted my own strength more than Your faithfulness. Teach me to surrender every area of my life to You. Help me to trust You not only when I have plenty, but even when I feel I have little. May my heart be fully Yours. Let my life declare that You are not just part of my life—you are my everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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PASTORA SHERLY - JCRC RIYADH

Luke 19: SEEK AND SAVE

 

Scripture: Luke 19:10

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

In Luke 19, we read the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was considered a sinner by many people. Instead of avoiding him, Jesus chose to approach him and spend time with him. After meeting Zacchaeus, Jesus said: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

This verse shows God's heart for people who have wandered away from Him. God does not simply wait for us to come back. He actively seeks us, loves us, and desires to bring us back into a relationship with Him.

This is God's message for us today as well.

Observation:
1. God Searches for Those Who Are Lost
No matter how far we have gone or how many mistakes we have made, God's arms remain open to welcome us. His love is not based on our perfection but on His grace and mercy. God never stops pursuing people who have drifted away from Him.

2. Jesus Came to Save
Jesus' main purpose in coming to earth was to save sinners. He did not come merely to condemn people but to offer them a way to salvation. Through His death and resurrection, we have the opportunity to receive forgiveness and experience a new life in Him.

3. No One Is Too Far for God's Grace
This verse reminds us that no one is beyond God's reach. No matter what our past looks like, God has the power to transform our lives and give us a fresh start. His grace is greater than our failures.

Application:

1. Return to God
If you feel distant from God, today is the perfect time to come back to Him. Do not let guilt, fear, or shame keep you away. God gladly welcomes those who come to Him with sincere hearts.

2. Show Love to Others
Just as Jesus reached out to people who were lost, we are called to show love and compassion to others.
Instead of judging them, we can help guide them toward God's truth and love.

3. Remember What God Has Done for You.
Never forget that you were once lost too, but God found you and saved you.Remembering this should fill your heart with gratitude, humility, and a desire to help others know Him.

Reflection: Self check:
Are there areas of my life that I need to surrender to God again?
Do I truly believe that God can forgive my mistakes?
How can I show God's love to people who are struggling or feeling lost?
Is there someone I need to pray for and encourage to return to God?

Jesus' message is still true today:
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." God is still searching for hearts that have wandered away from Him. He continues to draw people closer to Himself so they can experience His love, grace, forgiveness, and salvation.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for never giving up on us when we lose our way. Thank You for sending Your only Son, Jesus, to seek and save us. Please forgive us for our sins and for the times we have drifted away from You. Help us respond to Your love and live according to Your will. Give us a heart that loves others the way You love us. Use us to be instruments of Your grace to those who need hope, healing, and salvation. May we continue to experience Your presence, faithfulness, and love every day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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ELDER PANGGA - JCRC RIYADH

Luke 18: Humility Receives, What Pride Tries to Earn.

 

Humility receives, what pride tries to earn.

Parable of the pharisee and tax collector
Luke 18 9-14

Jesus contrasts two kinds of prayer and two conditions of the heart. The Pharisee prayed with pride, exalting himself because of his own righteousness and comparing himself with others. He trusted in his works rather than in God's mercy. The tax collector, however, prayed with humility. He recognized his sinfulness and weakness, knowing that he could not save himself. Instead of relying on his own strength, he cast himself upon the grace of God, crying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Through this parable, Jesus teaches that God honors the humble heart that depends on His grace, not the proud heart that trusts in its own righteousness.

There are times we became prideful like pharisees not only in our prayer,but most of the time in our thoughts and in our hearts.

*Lord I obey You,I deserve this...
*I sacrificed a lot, pls answer me now...
*I am Your servant, bless me...
*I am better than them, give this for me...

We may encounter this kind of scenario in our thoughts in our hearts, but the tax collector shows the good example for us :

Before looking at the failures of others, we should examine our own hearts. Like the tax collector, we come to God not boasting of what we have done, but trusting in what God has done for us through His mercy and grace. Humility receives the grace that pride overlooks.

God delights in obedience and faithfulness, but our relationship with Him is not a transaction. We do not earn His love or purchase His blessings through our works.


Reflection:
Am I serving God because I love Him, or am I expecting Him to repay me for my service?

Prideful heart pray...Lord do this for me.
Humble heart pray... Lord, work in me.

*Prayer
Heavenly Father,thank You for the love and grace You show us through Your word.I come before You nothing to boast in me for I always fall short for Your Glory. Reveal my heart everytime I feel that I am better than others.Help me to always live a humble life that always depends on You and by Your grace alone. Help me to always acknowledge that in You I can do nothing.
In Jesus name. Amen

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ELDER SALLY - JCRC RIYADH