The “Farewell Discourse” (John 13-17)
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Midweek Online 04.29.20 The “Farewell Discourse” (John 13-17) At the risk of oversimplification, the gospel of John can be viewed as having two major parts: Chapters 1-12: A key word here is “signs.” The ministry of Jesus here is public; the narrative of what Jesus does and says is often connected to the festivals in Jerusalem; Jesus makes claims as t who he is, and these provoke conflict. Chapters 13-17: Shift focus to the intimate circle of the twelve. At ch. 13 the public ministry of Jesus has ended. The arrest and crucifixion and resurrection are imminent. Jesus is now speaking final words of preparation for what will come. We call the words the “farewell” discourse (or “upper room” discourse) [Some view ch. 18-21 as a separate section of John dealing with arrest, crucificxion, resurrection.] *Side note: Don’t miss that nearly half of the entire Gospel of John deals with one week of Jesus’ life. The Triumphal entry into Jerusalem occurs in chapter 12 of a book of 21 chapters. Last words = “These are the things I want you to know; this is what matters most.” In the farewell discourse, Jesus is telling his followers who they are and how they should live in this world. We will look at three key moments and what they mean for being a “follower” of Jesus. • Acts of service and self-giving (sacrificial) love. • Peace in the middle of trouble • Abide or remain connected to Jesus ( = Fruitfulness) I. The example of servanthood (John 13) 1. What Jesus knew (vv. 1-3) • He knew what was about to happen to him • He knew who he was was / where he had come from • He knew where he was going 2. What Jesus did (vv. 4-5) • Dale Bruner notes a ‘V’ shape in the life and mission of Jesus • Compare Philippians 2:5-11 3. What Jesus intended in the act (vv. 12-17) • Jesus openly acknowledges ‘teacher’ and ‘Lord’ • ‘Example’ = what he does, we do. • “If you do them” . brings blessing. 4. A new command (vv. 34-35) • How will the world know that we are followers of Jesus? II. The promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-16; 25-27) 1. The Spirit of truth = Helper = Comforter. (paraclete = para + kaleo = call alongside) 2. What does the Spirit do? Teach and bring to remembrance all that Jesus has said. See also 16:13. 3. The Spirit and Peace (v. 27). See also 16:33 and 20:22. • Jesus wants you to have his peace. (See Luke 11:13) • The peace he offers is not like the peace the world gives us • This peace is promised to us even in a world that is troubled III. ‘Abiding’ in the Vine (John 15:1-11) 1. Bearing Fruit God actively works to make us fruitful. See Galatians 5:22ff 2. Abiding (NIV = “remain”) dwell in his presence; listen to his words. 3. Fullness of Joy For the coming week: 1. How will you assume the role of a servant in your home this week? 2. Do you have a daily practice of abiding? (Be still before God; listen to his word) 3. Next session May 6: Bible Translations. .