"John 14-18"
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What do you look for in a friend? In one of my kids' favorite movies, a toy cowboy overcomes his jealousy and acts with courageous loyalty. As Randy Newman's well-known theme song says:
"You got troubles, and I got 'em too There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you We stick together, and we see it through 'Cause you've got a friend in me."
In our readings this week, we'll get an intimate look at Jesus in the hours before his betrayal and crucifixion. Even in his time of trial, the Lord gives attention to his friends, preparing them for life after his death.
Friends Love
The word "love" is used twenty times in John 14-15, as Jesus expresses his commitment to them and calls them into loving, obedient fellowship with him and his Father.
On Monday (John 14), Christ tells them not to let their hearts be troubled but to believe in him (John 14:1). He's going away, but he will make a way for them to be together again (John 14:3). In fact, Jesus is the "way the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit, "the Helper" (John 14:26), will remind them of everything Jesus said. And so, he leaves them with peace (John 14:27).
On Tuesday (John 15), the Lord says to hold onto him, abiding in him, so that we can bear fruit (John 15:2). Like branches apart from the vine, Jesus tells his disciples, "apart from me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). So, when the world hates us, we remember that they hated him first (John 15:18-20), and we stay close to Jesus.
- What do Jesus' true friends do (John 15:14)?
Friends Support
On Wednesday (John 16), Jesus continues his final encouragement to his disciples before his death. Rather than being filled with sorrow, he tells them, "It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7). And with the Holy Spirit's help, their sadness will turn to joy (John 16:20). Though they will all be scattered after his death, they'll quickly find courage as they see how Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33)!
On Thursday (John 17), Jesus lifts his eyes to heaven in a moving prayer to the Father. He calls on God to "glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed" (John 17:5). He recalls his work on earth and asks the Lord to strengthen, protect, and unify his beloved disciples (John 17:11-12). Though the world will hate them, just like it hated him, he prays for "evil one" to be kept at bay (John 17:14-15). And, in a sense, he prays for you and I today — those who believe through the disciple's words (John 17:20-21).
- How does the Holy Spirit's work continue to support you today?
- What do you learn about the importance of unity from Jesus' prayer?
Friends Show Dedication
Finally, on Friday (John 18), we watch two of Jesus' friends turn their backs on him — as Judas betrays him (John 18:2-3), and Peter denies knowing him (John 18:15-18, 25-27). Though Peter displays courage in defending Jesus in the garden, he's reminded of his mission when the Lord asks, "Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" (John 18:11). After Annas (John 18:12-14) and Caiphas, the high priest, questioned him (John 18:19-24), he went to Pilate, the Roman governor (John 18:28-38). And after Pilate finds nothing to accuse him of, the crowds turn their backs on him, asking to release a criminal rather than the King of kings (John 18:38-40).
- How do Peter's denials help you become more dedicated to the Lord?
