Monthly Archives: March 2012

The high priestly prayer of Jesus continues.  Jesus knows that his followers will face a precarious existence without him, including conflict and persecution.  As long as the Father keeps them and consecrates them in the truth they will be safe.  God’s … Continue reading →

In this chapter, Jesus shifts from addressing his companion to addressing the Father in what has become known as his “high priestly prayer.”  This great prayer sums up the whole goal of the work of Jesus.  It constitutes the entire … Continue reading →

Imagine you are a witness to this dramatic scene in which Jesus is saying his long farewell to his closest followers, his disciples and friends.  Jesus speaks in enigmatic, metaphoric language.  Suddenly, it is as if we are in the midst … Continue reading →

As the farewell discourse continues, Jesus addresses the relationship of his followers to the world.  That relationship will be characterized by conflict, but even though Jesus will not be physically with them, the Spirit will, reminding them of all Jesus … Continue reading →

The “farewell discourse” of Jesus continues with a commandment having to do with the relationship among is followers - “love one another as I have loved you” – and the standard against which our love is to be measured is the death … Continue reading →

Jesus continues teaching his disciples about the pattern of the believer’s life, despite the last line of the previous chapter, “rise, let us be on our way!”  Commentators believe that there may have been some editorial moving around of text … Continue reading →

Jesus continues his farewell discourse to his disciples by reminding them that loving him is best shown by keeping his commandments – “love one another!”  He then promises help for them, and us, in the form of an Advocate, the … Continue reading →

Chapters 14-16 constitute what commentators call “Jesus’ farewell discourse.”  In the context of speaking to his disciples, John portrays Jesus teaching them, and us, about our relationship with God through the glorified Christ.  The first verses of chapter 14 are … Continue reading →

The evangelist continues the story of the Last Supper, with the focus shifting from discipleship and servanthood to betrayal and denial.   Notice that Jesus is “troubled in spirit” at the prospect of one of his disciples betraying him; he was similarly “disturbed in … Continue reading →

Chapter 13 begins the second half of the Fourth Gospel.  Commentators often refer to the first 12 chapter as ”The Book of Signs,” and chapters 13-21 “The Book of Glory,” although Interpretation terms it “The Book of the Great Sign.”  The … Continue reading →