John 13-17

       It is my hope that our time spent in this wonderful section of the Word of God will whet your appetite to read and study it again and again.  Peter is the one who said that even those who are established in the present truth need to be reminded (2 Peter 1:12).  With that in mind let us review the Upper Room Discourse.

            £  After the “last supper” Jesus began to teach His disciples by a living illustration (13:1-17).  He washed their feet, demonstrating the lowliness of mind that is fundamental to our lives on this earth.  This is an aggressive act on Jesus part and He calls us to emulate Him (13:17).

            £  Jesus shows continued submission to the will of His Father as He reveals the identity of His betrayer (13:18-30) and predicts Peter’s denial (13:37-38).  In between these scenes He begins to teach, predicting His imminent departure and glorification and calling the disciples to a life of love (13:31-36).

            £  In Ch. 14 Jesus lays out the resources that will enable the disciples to flourish spiritually during His absence.  He promises them…

1.      A promised place with Him, 14:1-4.

2.      A personal path to God, 14:5-11.

3.      A prayer prerogative, 14:12-14 (prayer in His name).

4.      A powerful Paraclete or Helper, the Spirit of truth, 14:15-17.

5.      A personal presence, God dwelling in them, 14:18-24.

6.      A pertinent prodding, the Spirit reminding them of their provisions, 14:25-26.

7.      A perfect peace, a deep satisfaction in this life, 14:27.

8.      A proper perspective, a new and true way of viewing His departure, 14:28-31.

            £  Jesus then gave His followers three commands to follow their three basic relationships.

1.      Like branches to a vine they must abide in Him (15:1-8).  This is the only way they can bear fruit which is the one thing they are called to do.

2.      They must love each other as Christ loved them (15:9-17).

3.      And they must testify to the world in which they live (15:18-16:15).  They will have the Spirit to help them in this.

            £  Jesus concludes the teaching by preparing them for the death situation that will precede their joyful resurrection life (16:16-33).

            Jesus then prays the intercessory prayer that fits the relationship He has both with His Father and with those the Father has given Him.  He prays that the Father will glorify Him (17:1-5).  He prays for the oneness of the disciples (17:6-19).  He prays for us, for the same oneness, as we share the glory He has given us (17:20-26).

            All this Christ has given to us that we might glorify our God.  Let us study.  But more:  let us abide!  love!  and testify!  Let us joyfully bear His glory.