In John 16 Jesus reinforces some things He’s touched on before with His disciples, highlighting just how important these topics will be for all of His followers.  Some points He will emphasize will be:  the persecution of believers, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the fact that He is departing to go to His Father and the concept of our praying to the Father in Jesus’ name.

Audio: John16.mp3

Notes: John16.pdf 

In this week’s chapter Jesus uses the illustration of the vine and the branches, which explains our complete dependence upon Him and our need to abide in Him.  He’ll also tell us more about His love and our need to love one another.  This is in contrast to the hatred of the world, which we will experience just as He did.  Finally Christ will remind us of the coming of the Holy Spirit, our much needed Helper as we eagerly wait for Him.

Audio: John15.mp3

Notes:  John15.pdf

In the last chapter Jesus make it clear that one of them would betray Him, that He was going to leave them and that Peter would soon deny Him.  Now He will give them several reasons for their hearts to be at peace.

First, He was going to come back to take them to a place He would prepare.  In the meantime, they would enjoy the presence of another Helper like Him, through whom He would actually be present in a different way – within them.  They would also enjoy a new privilege – praying in His name.

In John 14:6 Jesus also makes it clear that He is the only way to the Father, or the only way to God. 

No one gets to God by any other means except through Jesus, but each one who comes to Jesus receives many undeserved blessings.

Audio: John14.mp3

Notes: John14.pdf

In our chapter for this week, we’ll see Jesus with His disciples at what we often call the “Last Supper”.  This is the event at which He washes the disciples’ feet and from which Judas leaves to betray Him.  This is also the time Jesus gives His followers a new commandment, namely to love one another as He has loved us.

Audio:  John13.mp3

Notes: John13.pdf