Chosen Words
Jesus’ teaching from the upper room and immediately afterwards, found in John 13-17, is the longest sequence of teaching in John’s gospel and unique in its intimacy in comparison with the gospels. Here, Jesus offers His followers some of the most intense teaching at what it means to be His people, speaking words that illuminate His life and ministry, as well as ours as His followers.
Glorify
John’s account (John 17:1-26) of Jesus’ final hours is crowned with prayer. The prayer is perhaps one of the most beautiful views into Jesus’ interior life with the Father and is even more powerful in light of the pending suffering to come. Jesus asks His Father that glory would stream from His suffering path to the Cross, through His disciples, and through His future followers in ages to come. SERMON OUTLINE After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and…
Overcome
Jesus’ trials threaten to overcome Him, but they actually become a way of life and victory as Jesus overcomes death and sin. Jesus tells His followers that they will suffer like He suffered, but that He will turn their grief to joy and fill their trials with peace. What does it all mean? What are we to do with these particularly unpleasant – even painful – portions of Scripture? (John 15:18-25; 16:16-33) SERMON OUTLINE “In this world you will have…
Abide
Perhaps the most-quoted words from Jesus’ final teaching are found in John 15:1-17, this passage about abiding in the vine as branches that bear fruit. But what does that really mean? What was Jesus trying to tell us about our life hidden in God? SERMON OUTLINE “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Jesus as the…
The Spirit
In John 14:1-31 and John 15:26-16:15, Jesus comforts His disciples by providing them insight into His life with the Father and the promise of the Holy Spirit; highlighting the Trinity as a community of love that we are invited into. (John 14:1-31) SERMON OUTLINE “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17) Friend: The Holy Spirit as Continuing Presence (John 14:16-17) •…
Trouble
Jesus’ journey through trouble leads to salvation and a future place of peace for His followers. The disciples’ betrayal (Judas), forthcoming denials (Peter), and fear gather around them but Jesus offers hope. (John 13:18-14:4) SERMON OUTLINE “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1) The Trouble of Betrayal (John 13:18-30) Judas and divided loyalties Judas and spiritual conflict The Trouble of Failure (John 13:31-38) Peter and confusion Peter and brash declarations…
Servant
In John 13:1-17, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet as an example of servant love. Jesus says love serves and calls them to serve one another; Jesus calls His followers friends. SERMON OUTLINE “After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet.” (John 13:5) Servant Identity (John 13:1-3) Jesus knew the hour (13:1a) Jesus loved His own (13:1b) Jesus knew His power (13:3) Servant Action (John 13:4-11) Foot washing as a foretelling of the Cross (13:4-6)…