JOHN 16:1–4 “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service” (John 16:2). Jesus warned the disciples of many things—the world’s hatred, persecution, temptation. He gave these warnings so that when they faced trials of this sort, they would not … Continue reading “ENEMIES IN THE CHURCH”
BEARING WITNESS OF CHRIST
JOHN 15:26–27 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me” (John 15:26). Having just described the opposition that the apostles would lace in the world, Jesus encourages them once again with promises of the coming … Continue reading “BEARING WITNESS OF CHRIST”
THE DIVINE INITIATIVE
JOHN 15:16–17 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit” (John 15:16a). It is a telling sign that in a day when people clamor for “freedom of choice,” our society is willing to grant such freedom to any man or woman who demands it, … Continue reading “THE DIVINE INITIATIVE”
JOY OF LIVING IN CHRIST
JOHN 15:11–15 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Having just exhorted the disciples to abide in Him and to return His love with steadfast obedience, Jesus goes on to explain in an even more intimate fashion their connection … Continue reading “JOY OF LIVING IN CHRIST”
THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST
JOHN 15:9–10 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love” (John 15:9). The idea of the Father no longer loving the Son is unimaginable and wholly impossible. The love between the divine persons is unbreakable, eternal, and steadfast. It can no more cease to be than God Himself can … Continue reading “THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST”
ABIDING IN CHRIST
JOHN 15:1–8 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). While Jesus speaks about several things in this metaphor, there is one main lesson on which we must focus; just as a … Continue reading “ABIDING IN CHRIST”
COMFORT IN VICTORY
JOHN 14:28–31 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe” (John 14:29). Christ here gives more reasons why the disciples should be comforted. First, even though Jesus would be leaving them, He promised to return. And indeed, this is the hope of all God’s … Continue reading “COMFORT IN VICTORY”
FINAL ASSURANCES
JOHN 14:25–27 “… He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you …” (John 14:26–27). Jesus comforted His disciples with two assurances: one, that they would be under the guidance of the Spirit; and two, … Continue reading “FINAL ASSURANCES”
THE FRUIT OF LOVE
JOHN 14:22–24 “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23). For the third time Jesus repeats the connection between love and obedience. Judas (not Iscariot) asks how Christ would manifest Himself only to them … Continue reading “THE FRUIT OF LOVE”
EXPECTATIONS OF PENTECOST
JOHN 14:19–21 “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you” (John 14:20). The time of Jesus’ crucifixion is drawing ever closer. Now, instead of years or months, it is just a matter of hours. But Jesus offers words of encouragement, that though He … Continue reading “EXPECTATIONS OF PENTECOST”