Class Notes For Sunday March 13

THE FAREWELL SAYINGS JOHN 14-17

Judith led the class.

MAIN IDEA: After the final supper, John presents a long block of Jesus’ discourses that are self-revelatory in nature; there is no apparent structure, but same themes recur.

INTRO

P/up Jn 13:30

• Judas departs into the night.
• Sinister

Words of comfort

• Jn 13:33
• Jn 14:1-4

No apparent structure

THEMES:

Jesus’ Departure and Promise

• Spatial metaphor

Prologue

Heaven “up there”

Prays looking up (17:1)

• Philip’s request (14:8)

Spatial metaphor upended. God’s place already w/them in Christ. (If you know me, you know the Father.)

• Thomas’ question (14:5)

“I am” the way (from here to there).

• Chronological terms
• The hour

Departure framed in promise of future benefits:

• A place prepared for believers
• The coming of the Paraclete
• Disciples will be able to do works in his name.
• Believers will have a “direct line” to God.

The Paraclete

• Parakletos – Greek
• Counselor, advocate, comforter, helper
• “Spirit of truth” abiding in/among you (14:17b)
• The presence of Jesus in the world

Abide in Me

• Belief/love/abide variants of same concept?
• What does it mean to you to “abide in Christ and Him in you?”

(To live “into” relationship w/Jesus/God…)

Jesus’ definition:

• “Bear much fruit & become my disciples” (15:8).
• Vine and branches
• Discipleship = tangible results
• “Abide in my love” (15:9).

Remain rooted in the very nature of Jesus’ mission—to love the world and so bring light into darkness.

• “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (15:10).

Keeping His commandments shows love for Him.

• “Love one another” (15:12).

Cannot love Jesus without loving others.

Love Commandment

• Linked to Jesus’ mission—manifesting God’s love for humanity.
• Disciples are to love one another in the same way. (Jn 3:16)
• To not love Jesus = not really knowing God (8:42)

Unity

• The high-priestly prayer (17)
• Jesus not speaking directly to disciples, but allows them to overhear prayer.

Importance of Belief in Jesus

• Entire purpose of X;s ministry = that people should believe in him as the one sent from God.
• Core message of the Gospel = “Believe in God, believe also in me” (14:1.)

Opposition

• Escalating opposition in the Gospel
• Jesus’ followers will face that opposition of “the world.”
• X prays for disciples’ protection amidst opposition, not that they be withdrawn from the world. Active engagement with the world, so that more will believe.

Self-Disclosure

• “I am” metaphors:
• the way, the truth, and the life (14:6)
• the true vine (15)

What roles does X say the Paraclete will play?

(14:15-17, 25-26; 15:26-27; 16:7-11, 12-15.)

What actions does Jesus expect from his followers in response to promises he had made to them? (15:7-15)

List warnings of persecutions disciples will suffer. (15:25-16:4)

CLOSING

Matson – “The final discourse, set just before Jesus’ arrest & death, brings us back to the beginning point of the Gospel. It serves to remind us of who Jesus truly is: the Word of God incarnate.” It is “the framework for the ultimate irony—the death of the life giver, who by dying gives life.”