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HOW TO S.O.A.P.
You’ll need three items (Bible, Pen & Journal) to S.O.A.P. each day!
S - SCRIPTURE
Open your Bible to your reading for the day. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O - OBSERVATION
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you.
A - APPLICATION
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P - PRAYER
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or even a prayer for a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out. Introduction to John
THE BOOK OF JOHN: JOHN WRITES GOSPEL C. AD 80-95 JOHN IS 93% UNIQUE VS. MATTHEW, MARK & LUKE
John was an old man when he penned this book. It’s for Him (1:3). Not only did this directly speak to a been over sixty years, but he still saw Him. The Jewish audience, because in Hebrew thought the decades may have taken his stamina, but his memory “Word of God” was Yahweh’s active self-expression was clear and vivid. The years may have dulled his that He first revealed to Abraham and Moses, but John eyesight, but not his vision. He had been with God, takes it one step further. He declares that this “Word” and God had been with him. And His words were or the “Wisdom of God” became human and moved forever seared upon his heart: into his neighborhood! (1:14)
I Am the light of the world…I Am the door…I Am John’s Gospel (originally written in Greek) used the the way, the truth, the life…I will come back and term “logos” which meant to the Greek culture, “The take you to be with me…Those who believe in me mind that ruled the universe.” What’s amazing about will have life even if they die…. So John knew before John’s initial description of Jesus is the fact that he he left this world what he had to do, he had to write his claims that Jesus is the God of both Jews and account of his Master’s life. Gentiles, or in other words, “He’s the God that all of humanity has always yearned for, One who’s So he began… In the beginning was the Word…. At sympathetic to human weakness! the time when John wrote his account of Jesus’ life, what we now call the 4th Gospel of the New The key word of John’s Gospel is, “believe” which he Testament, it was merely one of a series of letters sent used 98 times. The purpose and key verse is found in by the Apostles to churches which were scattered John 20:31, “These things were written that you across the Roman Empire. These churches must have might continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah quickly picked up on John’s opening words, “In the and believing in Him you will have eternal life.” beginning,” which asserted that Jesus not only existed before creation, but all creation was made by Him and
In the Beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. John 1:1-3 (NLT) DISTINCTIVES OF JOHN’S GOSPEL
John’s Laser-like Purpose for His Gospel John had one desire for anyone who read his Gospel, “that they might believe Jesus is God.” To that end, check out what’s not in his book: There’s no genealogy, birth story, nor temptation of Jesus. There is no account of His baptism, no exercising of demons, no agony in Gethsemane, no ascension, nor parables. So, at this point you might be wondering, “What’s in there?” Since John’s main concern is evangelism, he focusses on conversations that Jesus had with individuals who were confronted with His identity, and private dialogue He had with the Twelve (especially in Chapters 13-17). John also provides his readers evidence that Jesus is the God He claimed to be, in the form of three sets of seven statements:
The Seven “I Am” Statements. (“I Am” is the literal meaning of God’s covenant name Yahweh) I Am the Bread of Life (6:35) I Am the Light of the World (8:12) I Am the Gate/Door (10:9) I Am the Good Shepherd (10:11,14) I Am the Resurrection and the Life (11:25) I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6) I Am the Vine (15:5)
The Seven Signs Jesus turned water into wine (2:1-11) Jesus healed the son of the royal official (4:46-54) Jesus healed the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda (5:1-9) Jesus fed the 5000 (6:1-13) Jesus walked on water (6:16-21) Jesus healed a blind man (9:1-41) Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (11:1-44)
The Seven Witnesses John the Baptist called Jesus “The Son of the Living God.” (1:34) Nathanael proclaimed Jesus was the “King of Israel” and “Son of God.” (1:49) Peter confessed Jesus to be the “Holy One of God.” (6:69) Jesus revealed that He was the “Son of God.” (10:36) Martha called Him, “The Christ, the Son of God.” (11:27) Thomas exclaimed, “He was his Lord and his God.” (20:28) Apostle John said Jesus was “The Christ the Son of God.” (20:31)
Introduction to John Chapter 13
JESUS, THE SERVANT TO THE END
If you only had twenty-four hours to live, what would When they arrived at the house, there was no servant you do? Would you re-visit some of the places you to wash their feet, and none of the disciples love? Would you surround yourself with the people volunteered to do this demeaning job. In Jesus’ day, you cherish the most? How about participating in an people mostly wore sandals and walked on unpaved outreach for the homeless? Honestly, I’m pretty sure roads, which caused their feet to be constantly dirty. that option wouldn’t even come to my mind! Yet, So, when it came time for a meal no one wanted nasty, that’s what Jesus chose to do with the few precious dusty feet in their faces! Traditionally, the task was moments He had left on this earth. If you’re very given to the lowliest servant in the household. observant, you may have noticed that John skipped the events of Monday through Wednesday of the last Jesus may have gotten tired of waiting for one of them week of Christ’s life to focus on His last words to His to volunteer. Finally, He stripped down to His inner closest friends. The Apostle John purposely slowed tunic and did the job Himself. The creator of the down to capture every detail of one night. Ponder this, universe stooped down to wash their vile, stinky feet! the “disciple that Jesus loved” told the entirety of When Jesus finally got around to Peter, he protested. Jesus’ public ministry in twelve chapters, and then, he He didn’t get it. Peter got stuck on the physical and spent five chapters (13-18) on the “Upper Room” couldn’t see the spiritual ramifications. By washing the discourse, which amounts to one-third of the entire disciple’s feet, Jesus set a precedence for anyone who Gospel of John! would dare to call Him their Lord, to be willing to serve the “least of these,” in the most inopportune times. So, Leonardo da Vinci has forever immortalized the setting if the Master of universe was willing to wash a of the Last Supper, in his famous painting. He protesting Peter’s feet and the feet of Judas, who was arranged all the participants on one side of the table, about to betray Him, shouldn’t we be willing to serve sitting upright on chairs as if they were posing for a “the least of these” in our community? That’s what photographer. Da Vinci, bathes Jesus and the Jesus did with His last few moments on this Earth. disciples’ faces in angelic light. Yet, in reality for Isn’t it strange, though Jesus performed one of the special occasions like Passover, men reclined on large greatest acts of leadership in history, He was the only pillows which sat upon short backless couches. They one who left that night with dirty feet? “His dirty feet” leaned on their left elbows, eating with one hand. should forever remind us that service doesn’t demean Luke’s Gospel tell us, that before the meal, the twelve our dignity, rather it defines it. had been arguing over who was the greatest.
And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. John 13:14-15 Week 01
KEY TERMS
The more one understands the key terms John uses to tell of the life of Jesus, the deeper one’s experience will be with the gospel.
“Lifted up his heal against me” (v.18) Throughout the entire Passover celebration Judas was the perfect actor, the truest of all hypocrites that has ever played the role of betrayer. The Upper Room was charged with intrigue (only between Jesus and Judas). When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, he washed Judas’ feet as well. In that moment can you imagine Jesus’ piercing eyes looking directly into Judas’ soul? When Jesus said, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” (John 13:10), He was referring to Judas and almost pleading with him to repent. Even the table arrangement demonstrated Jesus’ love towards Judas (from left to right: Judas, Jesus, and John). Jesus gave Judas a place of honor. He also quoted Psalm 41:9 which referred to Ahithophel who was King David’s trusted advisor who betrayed him. In essence, what Jesus was basically saying to Judas by quoting this psalm was: “Judas, old friend, I’ve got your number. Why don’t you just turn around?” Jesus chased after him to the bitter end. Isn’t that just like Jesus?
“Bread for the betrayer” In the culture at that time, to take a morsel from the table, dip it in the common dish, and offer it to someone else was a gesture of special friendship. Back in the Old Testament we read of Boaz inviting Ruth to come to fellowship with him: “’Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.’…he offered her roasted grain” (Ruth 2:14). To the very last second Jesus offered His friendship and restoration. Matthew’s gospel tells us when Jesus told the group that one of them was a betrayer, Judas replied: “Surely not I Rabbi?” Jesus responded: “Yes, it is you” (Matthew 26:25), thus slamming the door shut on the grace of Jesus and His offer as a way of escape.
“Satan entered him (Judas)” (v. 27) It’s unclear if Satan inhabited Judas’ body and possessed him physically like so many other people that Jesus cleansed during His public ministry. In fact, the word “Satan” in Hebrew means accuser. It’s a legal term for someone who brings a prosecution or charge against someone else. One thing’s for sure, Judas becomes a willing partner with the forces of darkness, and understood the ramifications of betrayal, which would result in the death of Jesus. John as a master storyteller through the power of the Holy Spirit reveals this final confrontation between light and darkness which has battled for control since the beginning of John’s gospel (In the beginning, the light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it). And this battle was quickly coming to a climax! It’s at this point when Jesus reveals His betrayer (only to Peter and John) and tells him to do quickly what he has already decided to do. It seems that Judas, with his will intact, enlisted with the forces of darkness. John catches the moment in the end of verse 30 as Judas leaves this Passover meal, a time of peace and friendship that was full of the “Light”. He opens the door into darkness, and disappears into it. Even then, the gentle Foot Washer is not outraged at His betrayal, but reveals to the “eleven” that He is “troubled in His Spirit” from the wounds of a friend. Yet, the Light will go on shinning into the darkness, and the darkness will not master it! Week 01
Weekday Journal
WEEKEND SERMON NOTES Week 01
Weekday Reference
MONDAY JOHN 13:1-5
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 01
Weekday Reference
TUESDAY JOHN 13:6-17
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 01
Weekday Reference
WEDNESDAY JOHN 13:18-2
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 01
Weekday Reference
THURSDAY JOHN 13:27-35
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 01
Weekday Reference
FRIDAY JOHN 13:36-38
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 01
Weekday Reference
WEEKEND CHAPTER RECAP
THE FALL AND RISE OF THE APOSTLE PETER
All four of the Gospels are full of Peter. No disciple spoke assessment. He informed his Master and all of his as often as Peter. Jesus addressed him more than any brothers that maybe these other ten guys wouldn’t be up other disciple. None of the twelve was corrected as to the task, but he was going to follow Jesus, even if it frequently, or as strongly as Peter. He was impulsive, and would cost him his life! Obliviously, Peter loved the taste always seemed to act first and then think afterwards. Yet, of sandals! no other disciple so boldly confessed Christ—and none other bothered Jesus more than he did (he even tried to There are times, for the sake of those we love, we must correct Jesus on a couple of occasions!). But, on the flip deliver pure, distilled truth. Jesus replied, “Will you really side, Jesus spoke more words of approval and praise to Peter? Is it you that’s really going to lay your life down for Peter than any other person in the entire New Testament. me? Have you forgotten what I said about the shepherd Peter was a living, breathing, walking, contradiction! I and the sheep? Actually Peter, I hate to say it - what don’t know about you, but I think most of us love Peter you’re about to do is something radically different. I tell because we’re a lot like Him. It seemed almost every time you the truth, the next time you hear a rooster he opened his mouth, he inserted his sandal! Yet, Peter crowing....” It was so easy for Peter to measure gives us hope. We’re encouraged because Jesus always everything from the perspective of his own natural responded to his lack of self-awareness with patience strength. Peter’s presumption came from his shallow and kindness. understanding of what it truly took to follow Jesus. It’s not through strength we follow Him, it’s through our In a very short time, Peter was going to need Jesus’ weakness. We depend on Him to guide us like a kindness more than any other period in his life. Jesus shepherd guides sheep. At this point in the begins to explain to the disciples that His “glorification” conversation, Peter probably didn’t feel that Jesus’ rod was now at hand, and where He’s going, the disciples and staff were comforting him! Sometimes, the Great couldn’t follow. Once again, Peter was the first to pose Shepherd has to keep the wolves at bay with His rod, the question everyone else wanted to ask: “Where are while simultaneously wielding His staff to violently grab you going?” Evidently, Peter only heard Jesus’ final His sheep by the neck, to keep them from the path of sentence and totally flaked out and missed the part self- destruction. Sadly, Peter had more wandering to do about Jesus’ “new commandment” to love each other as in his future. But in the end, Jesus brought him back. He He had loved them! Peter’s response revealed his restored and commissioned the fisherman to take up a inability to grasp any kind of an accurate self- new profession: shepherding.
Notes Notes
Introduction to John Chapter 14
JESUS THE COMFORTER
How do you handle good-byes? Frankly, I hate them. It’s assured me there would be plenty. It took three cars hard enough to make close friends with people in this fifteen hours to arrive at our destination. It was my turn to “social media age,” and the last thing that I want to hear navigate the last leg of the journey by turning left on is a person(s) who owns a “piece my heart” is moving Barton Avenue by The Breakers golf course and right on away. When it does happen, I make it a point to spend as South Ocean Beach Blvd. From there we stopped in much time as possible with them before they depart. I front of the second house from the corner, a find it’s a little easier on the ones who are going, rather forty-two-room mansion, complete with a helicopter pad than those who are staying. That’s because most of the in the back yard. We had enough room that week. We time, the ones who are leaving are going on a new couldn’t believe it. Who knew my friend’s dad was one of adventure, while those who are left behind are stuck with the richest men in America? We stumbled out of the cars a giant hole to fill in their same old reality. Certainly, Jesus and went in, it was like we had a hotel all to ourselves. knows what it’s like to say good-bye to good friends. When He first chose the disciples, He knew that one day That’s the imagery that Jesus used when he tried to he’d be saying good-bye at this point in His life. It was explain to the disciples where He was going. He tells harder on the disciples, for they were feeling abandoned them that He’s going to His Father’s house. The only and alone. Jesus continued His “last words” to them by other time He used this expression, He was speaking comforting them. He talked about going ahead of them about the Temple, where the Hebrews believed was the to prepare a place that was big enough for all of them to only place on this planet where Heaven met Earth. Now, continue their relationships forever. Jesus hints at a new “city”, or a new “house” where Heaven and Earth will meet again, when God renews the When I was in college a buddy of mine invited me to his whole world. At that time, there will be room for family’s house on the beach in Florida for spring break. I everyone. In fact, He assures them that He was going was very honored to get the invitation, but a couple of away for their benefit, and He wouldn’t forget or abandon days later I heard some of my other friends talking and them, but was going ahead of them to prepare it. Yet, found out they had been invited as well. In fact, quite a they couldn’t see past the finality of the impending death few of us had gotten the invitation, twelve in all. I was that awaited Jesus. It’s at this point that Thomas spoke imagining an ordinary house on some deserted beach, up and said, “We don’t know where you’re going and we so I just figured most of us would be sleeping on the can’t see the way.” To this Jesus replied, and made the floor, or the beach. Either option would be better than most exclusive claim about His divinity, “I am the Way. If staying in town on spring break. Just in case, I called my you want to know how to get to the Father’s house, you’ll friend to make sure, there was enough room, and he have to come with me.”
Don’t Let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be where I am. And you know the way to where I am going. John 14:1-4 Week 02
KEY TERMS
The more one understands the key terms John uses to tell of the life of Jesus, the deeper one’s experience will be with the gospel.
“I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”t Over the last two centuries, in the Western world, this saying of Jesus has maybe become Jesus’ most controversial. The objections go something along these lines: “How dare Jesus, or John, or the Church, or anyone else say there’s only one way to go to heaven? I thought Jesus was supposed to be humble. Isn’t this the height of arrogance? Didn’t He say that He came in peace? Don’t we know that this attitude has done untold damage around the world, as Jesus’ followers have insisted that everyone else should give up their own ways of life and follow His instead?” The truth is, the answer to all their objections, is a resounding “yes.” The trouble with their argument is it just doesn’t work. If you claim that all other pathways to God are equal (even though they hold radically different and contradictory truths) then “the divine” is remote and “unknowable” and neither Jesus, nor Buddha, nor Moses, nor Krishna can provide direct access to Him. They all provide a way towards the foothills of the mountain, not the Way to the summit, where God is. Christianity is unique. The representative of the religion claims to be God. Then it would follow, if that were true, He would be the only Way.
The Advocate, Comforter, or Helper Jesus promised that He’d be around with His people from the day He uttered these words to this one. In fact, He also promised that it would be easier, not harder for His kids, after He left to be with the Father. He went on to say, that His people would be able to do things they couldn’t do when He was physically present. All this was made possible because He sent us His own Spirit, His own breath, His own inner life. This Spirit is sometimes translated as “Helper,” but He shouldn’t be thought of as a personal assistant to whom we delegate tasks. This “helper” gives us the strength and supernatural energy to live for God, and witness about His love to the world. But the word “Spirit” means two other things as well. Another word that is sometimes used is “Comforter.” The Comforter has the unique ability in times of great stress and pain, to give courage and hope in circumstances that seem insurmountable. The Comforter may provide us with a unique insight into God’s plan to work out everything for good according to His purposes. An equally good translation for the word is “Advocate.” An advocate stands up in a court of law and defends “his clients” before the judge and jury, pleading each case for “his defendants.” The Advocate constantly goes before the heavenly Judge reminding Him of the plight of His kids and defends them against the prosecuting attorney, the devil. It’s because of the Spirit’s power at work in the lives of God’s children that Jesus said we have the potential to do greater things than He did, which doesn’t mean “better” but it just means greater in numbers and extent (there’s a lot of us and only one of Him).
“My peace I leave with you” Jesus told His disciples that they shouldn’t be troubled because He was leaving them His peace. This is a kind of peace that unbelievers would never receive. This peace would resonate deep within them and isn’t subject to outward circumstances. This peace is available in the midst of trials, suffering, or persecution because it comes from our relationship with Jesus and is totally independent of what’s happening to, or around us. The peace that Jesus offers us is not the peace of an easy life. It’s the peace of an obedient servant who has full confidence and support of his Master and waits upon His rescue, while faithfully fulfilling the work that He has been called to do. Week 02
Weekday Journal
WEEKEND SERMON NOTES Week 02
Weekday Reference
MONDAY JOHN 14:1-7
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 02
Weekday Reference
TUESDAY JOHN 14:8-14
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 02
Weekday Reference
WEDNESDAY JOHN 14:15-21
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 02
Weekday Reference
THURSDAY JOHN 14: 22-26
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 02
Weekday Reference
FRIDAY JOHN 14:27-31
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 02
Weekday Reference
WEEKEND CHAPTER RECAP
FOR JESUS SO LOVED THE WORLD
It’s been a couple of years now, since my only child got response to a world full of darkness is that He rejects engaged. Her closest friends who lived here in the West, wickedness and remains totally opposed to it, and yet (Phoenix area) plotted with her closest friends from the He loves “the world.” In response, He sent Jesus to East (Nashville area) to all show up at the same time to bring the light of life. But many, even most, prefer the witness the event. My daughter just thought she and her darkness. In verse 24, Jesus makes it crystal clear that boyfriend were taking a romantic walk on the bridge those who love Him and walk in the light, obey Him. across Tempe Town Lake. As they made their way Their obedience causes a sharp distinction between halfway across the bridge, though it was a very dark followers of Jesus and “the world.” Those who hold fast night, and the walkway was extremely crowded, she was to Jesus and refuse to settle for second best (a certain that she saw a couple of her Tennessee friends. compromised discipleship) will experience His peace All of the sudden, a serenading guitarist strolled up, that He promised. This peace comes to them as a gift, a spotlights illuminated the night, and all of her future kind of peace in the midst of struggle, or persecution, bridesmaids from both sides of the country witnessed that has the power to even torment their tormentors! her future husband on one knee, asking for her hand in marriage. It was so special, she wanted to tell the world! However, the way to this peace is always through sharp We quickly found out what that meant. First, she posted conflict with the world. Very soon in our story, Pilate, with all the pictures on several social media sites, then she the the dark lord behind him, will take Jesus along the personally called people who she knew may not be that pathway to His death. In that moment “the world” had tech savvy. This was followed by, what seemed like a won. The darkness had overcome the light. Or that’s thousand wedding invitations. This was her “world” and what was thought in the moment. Three days later, it was “good,” and she wanted everyone in it to hear the Jesus’ resurrection inflicted a huge wound on the dark good news! All this reminded me of a time, when she was lord’s realm, from which it will never recover. The worst totally ashamed of something that happened to her, of day in history, succumbed to the greatest day in history. which she had no control, that wasn’t her fault, but also If you had the chance to unpack my daughter’s story completely altered the trajectory of her life. with her, she’d be the first to tell you that what made her engagement one of the sweetest days of her life, was the Part of the aftermath of such a traumatic event like the fact that Jesus came and kept His promise of peace on one my daughter experienced, is it’s very common for the her darkest day. Slowly but surely, during her recovery victim to believe that the “whole world” was somehow process, Jesus’ light grew brighter and brighter. When going to hear about it. She began to suspect that the ruler of “this world” attempted his worst, that’s when strangers in the street were talking about her behind her Jesus responded with His best. This has resulted in a back. When this occurs “the world” means something young woman, because of the tender care of her Lord, threatening: a large, shapeless, dangerous mass of that now understands and has compassion for people people “out there.” Families respond by “circling the who are trapped in darkness and don’t comprehend the wagons” to protect the ones they love and it’s easy to light. For a brief amount of time, she felt ugly, dirty and begin looking at the world as a very dark place and be permanently soiled by “the world.” Now that Jesus has tempted to totally separate from it. In John’s gospel when given her the ability and the desire to forgive, she can Jesus speaks of “the world,” He’s speaking of people walk in the peace of Him who has overcome “the world” who have become dehumanized by sin and by their by His love. Now she’s on mission with Jesus to save wickedness have distorted His beautiful creation. God’s what had ultimately tried to destroy her— “the world.” Notes
Introduction to John Chapter 15
JOHN 6: JESUS THE “TRUE VINE”
Time was running out fast. Jesus was close to being But there’s one more dimension to Jesus’ illustration. arrested, tried and crucified. He had so much more to Within the Jewish tradition, the vine was a picture of teach His disciples, to prepare them for the time when Israel. God brought a vine out of Egypt and planted it in He would no longer physically be with them. How do the promised land (Psalm 80:1-18). It had been you cram a lot a knowledge into the minds of men who ravaged by wild animals and needed to be were emotionally reeling and physically drained? One re-established, because somewhere along the way, the way is to use familiar “word pictures” to help His true vine got infected by wild grapes (Isaiah 5). It’s in friends remember. As Jesus and the disciples left the this moment when Jesus explains that He is the only Upper Room, they made their way down the steep “true vine” and they must do more than just “believe” Kidron Valley and up to the Mount of Olives, about a in Him, but they must “abide” in Him if they’re ever four-mile walk. Along the way, they probably passed going to receive a bumper crop of God’s joy. Or, in several vineyards which prompted Jesus to compare other words, Jesus is saying that He is the true Israel. himself to a vine and the disciples to the branches. He is the one that all of God’s promises are now resting The English language really doesn’t catch the flavor of upon. It’s one of the first glimpses of the future when what John writes here. It seems that a vineyard, when people from all nations of the world will be eventually it’s left to itself, will get tangled, and grows in on itself. plugged into the vine of Christ and become God’s true Then, it will begin to produce some not-so-good people. It also serves as a warning to those who claim grapes, rather than splendidly juicy ones. A they simply “believe” in Jesus but don’t abide with vinedresser is needed to help the vines grow in the Him. They will wither and die and eventually be thrown right direction (towards the light), so the plant won’t in the fire to be destroyed. So, what does it mean to continue to waste its energy and become abide? It just means that you offer yourself to God and unproductive. When an expert prunes a grapevine, allow Him to develop the fruit of the Spirit in you, which they help the plant to become it’s true self and reach is love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, its full potential. faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against bearing this fruit so share it with others liberally!
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.” John 15:5-6 Week 03
KEY TERMS
The more one understands the key terms John uses to tell of the life of Jesus, the deeper one’s experience will be with the gospel.
Remain or Abide in Jesus “Remaining” or “abiding” in Christ is not an automatic act. When we abide in Him we set everything aside from which we might draw strength from, and begin to look to Jesus for these things. One of the ways you know that you are on the pathway of “remaining in Jesus” is you sense a growing realization of your own personal weakness and need for Him. When we dwell with Him, His words act like pruning shears, cutting away the parts of our lives, that will not produce “good works” which honor Him. As we worship God alone, and with others, the Spirit breaks up the hard soil of our hearts and allows His plans for us to take deep root in our will. This results in a new God-confidence that you can do all things that the Master Gardener (Jesus) planned for you to do before the foundation of the world.
“The Father will give whatever you ask using my name” Can Christians, or anybody for that matter, really ask for absolutely anything in Jesus’ name and receive it? Does asking in Jesus’ name give our prayers an extra boost? Is it some kind of magical saying that anything you ask for will come true? Some take this teaching to mean these very things. However, this is not the meaning of the passage. First, doing something or praying in Jesus’ name is about aligning with His will and purposes. Jesus told us that “glorifying Him” is the same as “glorifying the Father.” So in essence, this is a plea to God, asking Him to help us desire and pray for the things that He wants most accomplished in His Kingdom. So, to pray according to His will is to pray that God receives the most glory possible. As humans, sometimes when we pray we ask for things we think are right, and sometimes we pray selfishly according to our own desires. Just as Jesus humbly accepted the plans that God had for Him and desired His Father’s fame more than anything else in His life, we pray in Christ’s name to constantly remind us to align our thoughts, will, and emotions with God, instead of trying to coerce God to align His will with ours. You might be wondering, “How can we know the will of God?” The most direct path of knowing God’s will is through His word.
“If the World Hates You...” In 1943 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a prominent Lutheran pastor had the guts to stand up to Hitler’s persecution of the Jewish people in Germany. Many of his fellow evangelical pastors conformed to the Nazi party’s ideology that any Jewish person who converted to Christianity shouldn’t be baptized because they were “subhuman.” Because he refused to comply with this law, Bonhoeffer was sent to Flossenburg concentration camp and was executed in 1945 just before the Allied troops liberated all the death camps. In The Cost of Discipleship, he wrote “Suffering... it’s the badge of the true Christian. The disciple is not above his master.... Luther reckoned suffering among the marks of the true Church.... Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not all that surprising that Christians should be called to suffer.” As true Christians, we shouldn’t expect smooth sailing when it comes to our interactions with “the world.” In fact, if we never experience opposition it may actually be an indicator that something is wrong! Conversely, hatred leveled against us doesn’t mean that God is blessing us either! We should always seek God to determine the source of our conflicts and ask if our suffering is the result of our own sin. We can take the advice of Paul, who knew something about suffering. He said, “As long as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18). But at the same time, if it’s time to stand for God, stand firm! You will be rewarded! Week 03
Weekday Journal
WEEKEND SERMON NOTES Week 03
Weekday Reference
MONDAY JOHN 15:1-4
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 03
Weekday Reference
TUESDAY JOHN 15:5-8
S - Scripture
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O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 03
Weekday Reference
WEDNESDAY JOHN 15:9-17
S - Scripture
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O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 03
Weekday Reference
THURSDAY JOHN 15:18-22
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O - Observation
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P - Prayer Week 03
Weekday Reference
FRIDAY JOHN 15:23-27
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O - Observation
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Weekday Reference
WEEKEND CHAPTER RECAP
“SINCE THE WORLD PERSECUTED ME...”
In John 15:20-21 Jesus speaks in His prophetic voice would claim that Jesus also suffered from delusions of that describes the plight of all true Christians in every grandeur). Many well-adjusted, smart and educated generation until He returns, “If they persecuted me, they people have decided that this is the case. will also persecute you.” Because all believers are connected to Jesus, they will at times get the same The only problem with this diagnosis is it ignores the treatment Jesus did. What made Jesus, who went about facts. The Center for Study of Global Christianity (CSGC), the countryside healing people and talking about God, who tracks the persecution of Christians all over the such a polarizing figure? All of His life, Jesus was globe revealed 900,000 Christians have been ‘martyred’ hated—from King Herod’s attempt to kill Him as a young in the last decade. This equated to 90,000 a year, or one child to the religious leaders convincing their Roman Christian murdered every six minutes. The Voice of overseers that He was a huge threat to the “peace of Martyrs (a global Christian research and defense Jerusalem,” and therefore the entire region, and had Him organization) estimates that 900 million Christians have crucified. Why did the establishment hate Him so much? been executed for their faith since the time when Jesus Why did His own brothers malign and reject Him? Simply walked the earth. put, it was because of His perfect life, and the light that emanated from Him revealed their darkness, which they So, who was paranoid? Was it Jesus? hid under thinly veiled cloaks of self- righteousness. They were exposed, and everyone (who wasn’t blinded by Or was it rather, “the world” itself which saw the Prince of power) knew it. Peace as a threat, saw the Lord of Love as someone to hate? Who’s paranoid today when Christians find their Recently I read an article that accused Jesus of just being churches being attacked even though they are living paranoid. It said His death was caused accidently, a by- quiet restrained lives, hoping their witness of honesty and product of the itinerant teacher getting caught up in the integrity, and the love of gentleness, would speak for political undercurrent between the Jews and the themselves? With every opportunity for the Gospel to Romans. He was the victim of a few fringe groups who breakthrough to new people groups, there is also grave tried to make Him King. The article went on to say in the danger. But thank God, that in this generation there are last few hours in Jesus’ life He succumbed to the brave men, women and even children, who are pressure of His immanent arrest and started getting empowered by the “Helper,” the Spirit of Truth, who paranoid and was convinced anyone who identified with comes from the Father and will not stop until every tribe Him in the present or future generations, would suffer and tongue is introduced to the King who was similar persecution (professional therapeutic circles persecuted for their sake!
Notes Notes
WEEK 4 Introduction to John Chapter 16
JOHN 6: JESUS REVEALS A NEW WORLD
If you read the Bible on a regular basis, you’ll quickly disciples will be able to recover fairly quickly because notice how real, how raw and visceral it truly is. At this of the joy and comfort they’ll receive from the coming point in the story, Jesus is obviously concerned that of the Holy Spirit. the disciples are on the brink of losing hope to the point of abandoning their faith! So, He decided that it The Spirit was not just coming to minister to the would be better for the eleven if they knew what was disciples, but He was also on a mission. He came as a going to happen in their future, so they could better prosecuting attorney in God’s courtroom, charged with prepare for it. Jesus’ preview of coming attractions showing unsaved human beings their lost condition. To wasn’t a pleasant one. He told them that unbelieving “convict” means to show, to expose or to unmask. The Jewish people would think they were doing God a Spirit’s special ministry to the world is to convict of sin favor by kicking them out of the synagogue which in three specific areas. First, the Spirit convicts of sin would result in being excommunicated from the because, for the most part, the people of the earth religious and social life of Israel. They would be viewed don’t believe in Him. The issue is not the specific sins by former friends as worse than pagans. They would that human beings commit, but it’s the one lose their jobs, be exiled by their families, and would “condemning sin” of unbelief. Second, the Spirit even lose the privilege of an honorable burial. Worse convicts people in terms of their “righteousness.” than this even, they could actually be hunted down Because of Jesus, no longer could righteousness be and killed. considered as merely a set of do’s and don’ts. Nor is the issue just keeping a set of rules. It now comes As I write these words, I wonder what the Apostle down to living a perfect life as Jesus did. Unbelievers John was thinking when he penned his Gospel. He may insist they’ve kept this commandment, or that was the only one of the twelve (God replaced Judas one, but no one (in their right mind anyway) could claim with Paul) that wasn’t martyred for their faith, but he to have led a life as perfect as Jesus’. Third, the Spirit also experienced what it meant to be baptized into convicts in regard to judgment, “because the ruler of Christ’s suffering. He was boiled in oil in a huge pot this world has been judged.” Before Jesus appeared, and lived! The disciples were about to be plunged into Satan held the world hostage, and at times it looked as a short, sharp and intensely painful period (the interval if he was getting away with evil. The cross was God’s between Jesus’ arrest until His resurrection). And like announcement that He does and will punish the birthing process, which is excruciatingly painful sins—Satan’s and everyone else’s. No longer could during the labor and delivery phase, the mother’s body anyone scoff at the idea that those who do evil are usually recovers from the ordeal fairly quickly because doomed. God revealed His commitment to judge sin of the joy that comes into the world. Likewise, the by sending His own innocent Son on the cross for our sakes.
And when He comes He will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness and the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father and you’ll see me no more. Judgement will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. John 16:8-11 Week 04
KEY TERMS
The more one understands the key terms John uses to tell of the life of Jesus, the deeper one’s experience will be with the gospel.
“In a little while, you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” Jesus was talking very cryptically about His death and resurrection. The disciples were so caught off guard when Jesus told them He was leaving them, it was difficult to process the news. And Jesus seemed to be talking in pictures instead of words! They knew that Jesus was God, but they also knew that God is eternal so how could anyone kill God? Wouldn’t it just be easier for Jesus to take power and rule the world? But first, Jesus had to die and rise again. Jesus had one more foe to defeat—death itself! Although Jesus had raised people, like Lazarus, from the dead, no one had ever risen by their own power before. The disciples talked among themselves and finally they began to grasp what Jesus was saying. That He was going die on the cross and rise again!
“In that day you will ask me nothing” After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples would have answers to all their questions about Jesus’ departure. His death and resurrection would finally come into focus and make sense. Jesus’ sacrifice tore down the barrier between God and man, so His disciples no longer needed an intermediary (the High Priest) as a go between. Instead, they could approach the throne of God boldly, praying in Jesus’ name. And as long as their petitions were aligned with Jesus’ will (which were always aligned with His Father’s), their prayers would be answered. This opened the door to prayer in new and very dynamic ways. The extraordinary, intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, which was manifested in Jesus’ prayer life, would eventually rub off on His followers. The branches (Jesus’ disciples) that belong to the vine (Jesus) are granted the same immediate access to the Father that Jesus had because they belong to Him. When the disciples finally grasped it, it was almost too good to be true. This passage reveals the love and trust the Father has for those who love and trust His Son, Jesus. This immediate access coupled with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit explains the difference in power the “disciples” displayed in the book of John compared to the “apostles” found in the next chapter of their story, in the book of Acts!
“Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you.” It took them a little while, but the disciples finally understood what Jesus had been saying—that He was going to die, rise again, and then go back to Heaven. Once they understood that, they didn’t want to ask any more questions (at least for the time being). Jesus’ foreknowledge of the future persuaded them that Jesus knew everything and is truly God (after all they saw and experienced now they believe?). At least, the light bulbs were finally coming on! Week 04
Weekday Journal
WEEKEND SERMON NOTES Week 04
Weekday Reference
MONDAY JOHN 16:1-11
S - Scripture
Grab your Bible and read today’s passage. Write down the verses that stand out to you most.
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 04
Weekday Reference
TUESDAY JOHN 16:12-15
S - Scripture
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O - Observation
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P - Prayer Week 04
Weekday Reference
WEDNESDAY JOHN 16:16-22
S - Scripture
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O - Observation
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P - Prayer Week 04
Weekday Reference
THURSDAY JOHN 16:23-28
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O - Observation
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Weekday Reference
FRIDAY JOHN 16:29-33
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Weekday Reference
WEEKEND CHAPTER RECAP
WHEN TALKING TO JESUS, WATCH OUT FOR THE CURVE BALL!
Verses 31-32 are very interesting. Finally, the poor Only God could forgive such a betrayal. He had disciples understood everything. Jesus was leaving compassion on them because they’ll be scattered like them, coming back, and leaving them again to go back to sheep without a shepherd. Yet, Jesus’ prophecy wasn’t a the Father once and for all. It seems that it’s taken “team word of warning, it was one of hope. He promises them disciple” nine innings just to even get a “little piece” of peace in their coming time of trouble—and there would one of Jesus’ fast balls. He’s thrown the same pitch over be plenty of troubled times ahead. This peace that Jesus and over, straight down the center of the plate, but none gives is not from the “power of positive thinking” or some of them had even gotten close to making contact. Now, philosophical view that this world is just a nasty place, it’s the bottom of the ninth and finally the lead-off batter and the only thing we can do is “keep on swinging.” No. gets a base hit! And it’s amazing, not because it’s a long Jesus is claiming that He’s going to battle with Satan and fly ball that almost makes it over the centerfield wall. It’s his world system, and He will “overcome.” The force of because the team now thinks they know everything they this Greek verb here indicates a continuing victory need to know about the pitcher (Jesus). With one of the forever! And this promise is not only made to the eleven disciples on second base, two outs, the last batter men present that night, it’s given to all of Jesus’ disciples comes up to the plate, steps into the batter’s box, points throughout the ages to come! Christian, “yes” the world to the wall, and calls his shot. This game’s already over, will hate, persecute, and ridicule you; and this may he’s going yard! That’s when Jesus throws the next temporarily cause you to be sidelined, marginalized, pitch...a wicked breaking ball that paints the corner of the disrespected and even attacked, but you don’t ever have plate. Jesus throws the perfect curve ball, and the to feel defeated! You are a child of the King, and though disciples strike out looking. Jesus tells them that it’s nice His Kingdom is here right now, soon it will be here in all of that, after three years of ministry, they finally believe that its fullness. In the meantime, you have a direct line to the He’s God, but the real truth is in just a few hours when throne room of God, and He is waiting to send you His Jesus will suffer and die a criminal’s death. They will Peace. He promises to overcome the situation you’re in scatter, leaving Him alone in His agony. right now, for He has overcome the world! He is so close to you right now, talk to Him, you’ll find peace in His glory!
Notes Notes
WEEK 5 Introduction to John Chapter 17
JOHN 6: JESUS’ PRAYER REVEALS HE’S THE HIGH PRIEST When I was in the eleventh grade I had to read and and a request. Jesus is celebrating the fact that His give a report on William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. work is almost done. Yes, there is still a huge and awful Once I got past the Old English and the peculiar way task awaiting Him the next day, but He has said the the author arranged his sentences, I found the story words that God had sent Him to say, and He has quite fascinating. The play is full of action. There are finished the “good works” He was sent to do. Jesus ghosts, murders, weird love scenes (or that’s what I has laid Himself bare before the disciples that God had thought at seventeen, I never claimed to be a given Him, and perfectly demonstrated all the romantic), accidental killings, betrayals, and evil “personal attributes of His Father.” So, despite the plotting and more plotting. The play highlights the circumstances, there was a legitimate reason to hero’s (Hamlet’s) indecision whether or not to take celebrate! From celebration, He now moves to petition. revenge on his stepfather, Claudius, for murdering his He prays that now He would be exalted, and lifted up father and stealing the throne of Denmark. When to that position alongside the Father, that the Son of Hamlet finally has an ideal opportunity to avenge his Man was supposed to attain. Or, in other words, when father, he catches his arch nemesis praying! He fears if He takes His seat beside His Father, that He would his stepfather is murdered while praying, he may go share the throne of God, Himself (Daniel 7). The very directly to Heaven. Hamlet decides to wait for another idea that Jesus could “sit down” on His throne denotes opportunity (I know, I know it doesn’t make sense, that all His work was accomplished. No High Priest obviously Hamlet should have read his Bible more!). who worked within the most holy place in the Temple Yet, what’s amazing about the scene is the fact that a would ever dare to sit down, for this would signify his person who is so caught up in revenge and violence is work of sprinkling the blood on the Mercy Seat could completely stonewalled by the mystery of prayer. be finished. His work was only temporary, for it Hamlet stumbled upon holy ground, and in that symbolized that God would “overlook” Israel’s sins moment, he couldn’t go through with his murderous until the next Day of Atonement. Conversely, Jesus the intent. final High Priest, will soon give Himself as the final sacrifice and once and for all break the power and take The Gospels tell us frequently that Jesus prayed. But on the penalty of the sins of His people! So far, the Jesus’ “High Priestly” prayer in John 17 feels as if God prayer may seem far too exalted for us to join in. But allows us to stumble upon holy ground, a place that is we’ll see in the next sections of the prayer that the so intimate, so personal between a Son and His relationship between Jesus and His Father, though Father, that angels would even fear to tread on such a extraordinarily trusting and close, is not exclusive! We place. The first section of the prayer is a celebration are invited to join in!
After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give the glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given Him.” John 17:1-2 Week 05
KEY TERMS
The more one understands the key terms John uses to tell of the life of Jesus, the deeper one’s experience will be with the gospel.
“I have kept them in your name” (some translations read: I protected by the power of your name) I recently read another sad story about a mother who was being punished because she left her two young children by themselves while she ran off for an extended weekend with her new boyfriend (the kids were found by a neighbor who alerted the authorities). Sadly, I’m no longer shocked by these types of stories. Yet, what was different about this situation was the fact that the mother grew up in a stable and loving home and had two parents that lived close enough to take the kids off her hands. When the judge heard these facts He decided to “throw the book” at the irresponsible mother. One thing’s for sure, something happened in the mother’s life that stopped her from walking in the footsteps of her parents’ love. When Jesus prays to the Father and refers to the fact that He had kept the disciples “in the Father’s name,” He highlights the fact that He has kept them in the same “character, instruction and safety” of the Father. Why is this such a big deal? From this point on, the disciples and their future disciples will have a new name placed on them – “CHRISTians”. Jesus prays that since He’s coming back home, that God would protect them from falling away and give them power through the Spirit to emulate Jesus’ life by taking on His character and instruction. Or, in other words, Jesus was revealing the true “Tree of Life,” and all who are a part of this family will eat of its fruit forever!
“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world” As a part of this same prayer, Jesus wants to make sure that His audience (future disciples that will read this prayer) understands what He is and is not saying. Jesus is asking God to sanctify His people (the process God uses to make Christians more like Him, holy). There are two stages to sanctification. At the moment that we place our faith in Jesus, we are set apart for God, once and for all. The eleven disciples who were left had already completed stage one. The second phase was the day-by-day walking with God, who gradually “prunes away” our sin from us, so we can become more like Him. But God doesn’t take us up on a high mountain away from all the pain and anguish from “the world,” He accomplishes our transformation while keeping us in “the world.” That’s because our mission is the same as Jesus’, to seek out and communicate by words and good deeds God’s love. And the object of God’s love has always been prodigal sons and daughters who have gone their own way, just like we once did. Thus, a Christian who’s not on mission is merely a moralist who refuses to rub elbows with “sinners.” Seem familiar? Sounds a lot like those Pharisees who gave Jesus the most opposition during His ministry. People who confess faith in Christ, yet have no interest in God sanctifying them, should judge themselves and seek help to determine if they are truly “not of this world.” Those who truly are “not of this world” and are on mission “to save this world,” should do so by any means necessary, and rescue those who are drowning in sin by throwing them a lifeline. For this is what God has planned for us to do before the foundation of the world, and these things bring Him the most glory possible. Week 05
Weekday Journal
WEEKEND SERMON NOTES Week 05
Weekday Reference
MONDAY JOHN 17:1-5
S - Scripture
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O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer Week 05
Weekday Reference
TUESDAY JOHN 17:6-10
S - Scripture
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O - Observation
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P - Prayer Week 05
Weekday Reference
WEDNESDAY JOHN 17:11-13
S - Scripture
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O - Observation
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P - Prayer Week 05
Weekday Reference
THURSDAY JOHN 17:14-21
S - Scripture
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O - Observation
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P - Prayer Week 05
Weekday Reference
FRIDAY JOHN 17:22-26
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Weekday Reference
WEEKEND CHAPTER RECAP
WHAT IS UNITY AND HOW DO YOU GET IT?
I guess I’m just getting old, but the other day I was reminiscing gospel...so that everyone would believe! This love will with a few friends about how quickly the world changes. We eventually transcend across all the traditional barriers of race, talked about TVs with rabbit ears, rotary phones, and the first customs, gender, class, and can only come from the Triune dial-up computers, but as I thought about it, the truth is that all Creator, God. So how does this unity affect us? In John 13:35, those things were replaced by devices that were much better. Jesus explains how the world will know that we are truly His Then our conversation shifted to the way we communicate disciples if we love each other. with one another in the 21st century. All at once, almost in chorus, we lamented the fact that no one writes letters You might be thinking, “What would this look like?” Is Jesus anymore. Recently I heard a story of a kid who was playing in asking the entire world to unite and form one universal his grandparents’ attic and stumbled upon a letter written by church? Should we all come together and try to agree on George Washington to one of his distant relatives. Imagine everything? The unity Jesus is talking about isn’t uniformity in receiving a letter from some great leader in the past who everything. Suppose for a moment we could bring some of the changed the course of history! I’d love to hear from Abraham greatest Christians together from centuries past under one Lincoln and the lessons he was learning as he attempted to roof. From the fourth century would come the great intellect of heal the breach of a divided union. Or, maybe Martin Luther, Augustine. From the sixteenth century, the reformers Luther on what it was really like to stand up against the Roman and Calvin would appear. One century later, the seventeenth Church during his excommunication. Think of someone you century would send John Wesley, the great Methodist pastor respect or admire. Now imagine that historians have just found who championed humanity’s freewill. From the nineteenth among old manuscripts a letter from a great man or woman, century, Charles Spurgeon and D.L Moody would take their and that letter was addressed to you! How would you feel? place in the meeting followed by the twentieth century’s This is how you should feel as you read verses 20-23. Here, offering of Billy Graham. If we gathered these men and Jesus is talking about you. And me. Those who believed in the appointed them to lead the 21st century’s Universal Church word of the disciples’ testimony so long ago. Those followers leadership team, there’d be trouble. I bet they would have of Jesus made more followers, and throughout the world the trouble getting a unanimous decision on anything, but I message went forth. Yet, the truth is that even today, the believe underneath all of their discussions and debates they’d church is only one generation away from total extinction; all it still have unity. The more that the men would come together would take is for a single generation not to hand the word on and lift up Christ, the more their love would grow for each to someone else. But it never has happened, and it never will. other. In fact, I think they would invite one more person to the group from the first century, the Apostle Paul. He taught that That’s what Jesus is praying for. He’s thinking about you and unity without uniformity is indeed possible. “Now there are me and all of His other followers of every generation to be one. different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit, there are different He prayed for the universal Church, founded on God’s Word, kinds of service but the same Lord. There are different kinds of rooted in the sacrificial life and death of His Son, first spread workings, but the same God works in all of them in all men.” (1 by the Apostles and their disciples, to almost every tribe and Cor. 12:4-6). Therefore, unity is a supernatural work rooted in tongue, for over two millennia and counting. And this unity is the love that’s shared between the Father and Son that based upon and sustained by the unity between Father and overflows upon us. It’s always manifested in this world as Son. And the result of all this unity and love comes full circle humble service towards one another, considering others as and was the reason that the Apostle John wrote his better than ourselves. Notes Notes