Thursday, October 24, 2024

#214 Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31) - Life of Christ = Week 43 - Thursday

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
John 14:15-31

Another Counselor Promised

15“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments; 16and I also will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. 17He is the Spirit of truth, whom the world is unable to receive because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.

19“In a little while the world will see Me no longer, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live too. 20In that day you will know that I am in My Father, you are in Me, and I am in you. 21The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”

22Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it You’re going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?”

23Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My words. The word that you hear is not Mine, but is from the Father who sent Me.

25“I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things† and remind you of everything I have told you.

27“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful. 28You have heard Me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe. 30I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over Me. 31aOn the contrary, I am going away so that the world may know that I love the Father. Just as the Father commanded Me, so I do.

31b“Get up; let’s leave this place.[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 214–215). Holman Bible Publishers. 





Intro Questions

Text Graphic
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?

  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN:
  • Who was the best counselor you ever had? Why was this person so special? 

DIG:
  • How are the disciples to show love to each other (John 13:34)? To Jesus (John 14:15)? Why is this idea repeated four times (John 14:15, 21, 23-24)? 
  • What do you learn about the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17, 25-27? What is the relationship of the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to the believer? To each other? 
  • What is the difference between how Jesus gives peace and how the world does?


REFLECT:
  • How at home are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in your life? Are they more like owners, or temporary guests? 
  • On a scale from 1 (smooth sailing) to 10 (furious storm), what is your peace quotient? Why? Where do you need Jesus' peace? Where can you find hope in this passage? 
  • How has the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus in your life? 
  • Of all the promises made here (John 14:16-18, 21, 23, 26-27), which one means the most to you? Why?


(John 14:15-31)

Jesus Speaks Privately With His Disciples.

THE CONSOLATION HE GIVES TO HIS DISCIPLES (14:1–4)

THE CONVERSATION HE HAS WITH HIS DISCIPLES (14:5–31)

  •  He says he will ask the Father to send them the Holy Spirit (14:15–21).

  •  Judas (not Judas Iscariot) and Jesus (14:22–31)

1.   Judas’s question (14:22): “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”

2.   Jesus’ answer (14:23–31)

a. He says that he only reveals himself to those who love and obey him (14:23–24).

b. He promises that the Holy Spirit will explain all this to them (14:25–26).

c. He reminds them again of his departure and return (14:27–31).





PEACE ON EARTH
December 23, 2018
Dr. Joe Pettigrew

"Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” John 14:27

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. Families gather for joyous celebrations and we see individuals we haven't seen since last year. Small towns and neighborhood communities put up Christmas lights and even the air itself smells special—all raising “peace on earth, goodwill to all” expectations all around.

But contrary to the famous Hallmark Christmas movies, trials and tribulations do not take the holidays off. While we look forward to Christmas and hope it will be a great time, we live in a fallen world which can even make Christmas very painful.

For some families, there will be an empty place at the table because a loved one is no longer here. For some parents, the hope for a prodigal child returning in time for Christmas will be met with their continued absence. Some will be surrounded by people, but still feel outcast and abandoned. Others will find themselves alone during this season wishing that someone would visit them.

Whatever happened to “peace on earth, goodwill toward men?” Regardless of where you find yourself in life, be reminded that Christ loved the world so much that He came down from Heaven. And He did not come to just sit around in a manger. He came to bear the cross for sin and its consequences—provide salvation to anyone who will believe in Him.

Living in a fallen world means there is chaos—instead of peace—chaos that we contribute to daily. Yet Christ came into this chaotic world and bore upon Himself the sins of the whole world. Why? Because He loves everyone, including you. 

Thought of the Day: No matter where we find ourselves this Christmas season, we can find hope and comfort in the person of Christ, if we will seek Him! “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

====

WE WILL MISS HIM
Dr. Joe Pettigrew

“If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father...” John 14:28

Goodbyes can be difficult. When our children visit from far away, we are always disappointed to see them leave. “Why can’t they stay longer—or just move closer?”

Jesus’ disciples were similarly troubled by the prospect of his going away. Who would now teach them about God’s kingdom? Yet Jesus insists that his going away will be good for them.

Goodbyes come to us in various forms. We can experience the loss of a career. We can move away from friends or family. However, what seems to be the most painful is when we lose a husband, father, or child to death.

This week I lost a friend, but more importantly, a great Godly woman lost her husband. He was my mentor and teacher ways that not even he knew. I never knew him to be unethical or unkind to anyone. He was a high school principal and system superintendent, and that alone is about as hard of a job as it comes. Bobby Miller was a solid man of God, an incredible leader, and a loving father and husband. He will be missed.

Jesus teaches that even in the face of such goodbyes, we can experience peace and hope. The “prince of this world,” the devil, wants us to be defined by our losses. But the Father is greater than all things. And when we love Jesus, our lives are directed toward the Father rather than our losses.

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the Spirit would remind the disciples of these words. And then Jesus’ words about “going back to the Father” made sense. Not death, but glory, is the future of those who obey the Father’s will.

Jesus’ words point us to his destination—and to ours: full life in the presence of God. We will still experience sorrow in the face of loss. But we can rejoice as we see even death as a doorway to our heavenly Father.

Thought of the Day: Holy Spirit, remind us of Jesus’ words. Help us in the face of loss to see our destiny with the Father, and to rejoice in the ruling power of Jesus. 


 







https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist


#Peace of Christ

Other Resources:


Jesus is My Advocate (Wes McAdams at the Red River Family Encampment)
Many Christians wrestle with feelings of unworthiness and insecurity when it comes to their relationship with God. In this episode, Wes McAdams addresses that struggle. He explores the profound truth of 1 John 1–2, encouraging listeners to ask: How do I know that I know Jesus? Wes challenges listeners to move beyond shame and into confidence—not because of their perfection, but because of their Advocate, Jesus Christ.
The sermon unpacks the concept of fellowship with God—a deep, intimate partnership—and how it’s not built on our performance but on walking in the light. Walking in the light doesn’t mean being sinlessly perfect; it means being honest, confessing sin, and trusting in God's mercy. Wes emphasizes that Jesus is not just a distant Savior, but an active Advocate who continually intercedes for his people. And because we are represented by Jesus in heaven, we must represent Him on earth—especially through our love for others, including our enemies.
This lesson was preached at the 2025 Red River Family Encampment in the beautiful mountains of Red River, New Mexico.

Wading - John 14:23 - Your soul was made for deep waters.
Jun 22, 2025 = Your soul was made for deep waters. Ecclesiastes 3:11; John 14:20, 23
We shouldn't mistake shallow spiritual activity with deeper spiritual intimacy. Matthew 15:8-9
If you're just playing in the shallows, God is calling you to the deep. James 4:8
Each morning, ask: "God, how do you want to live in my heart today?" Then actually listen for an answer!









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Wednesday, October 23, 2024

#213 Jesus Is The Way to The Father (John 14:1-14) - Life of Christ = Week 43 - Wednesday

Jesus Is The Way to The Father
John 14:1-14

Jesus’ Farewell to His Disciples

John 14:1–14

14:1“Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4You know the way where I am going.”

5“Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?”

6Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”

8“Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.”

9Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without you knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. 11Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.

12“I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 213–214). Holman Bible Publishers.




(JOHN 14:1-14)
Jesus Speaks Privately With His Disciples.
THE CONSOLATION HE GIVES TO HIS DISCIPLES (14:1–4)
    A. “I am going to prepare a place for you” (14:1–2).
    B. “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (14:3–4).
THE CONVERSATION HE HAS WITH HIS DISCIPLES (14:5–31): Jesus answers three questions asked him by three disciples.
    A. Thomas and Jesus (14:5–7)
      1. Thomas’s question: “We haven’t any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (14:5).
      2. Jesus’ answer (14:6–7)
         a. “I am the way, the truth and the life” (14:6a).
         b. “No one can come to the Father except through me” (14:6b–7).
    B. Philip and Jesus (14:8–21)
      1. Philip’s question (14:8): “Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied.”
      2. Jesus’ answer (14:9–21)
         a. He says anyone who has seen him has seen the Father (14:9).
         b. He says that he is in the Father and that the Father is in him (14:10).
         c. He says they will do greater things than he has done because he is going to the Father (14:11–14).
 

OPEN:

  • What is your favorite room in the house? Why? 
  • Can you remember a time when you got lost? What happened?


DIG:

  • What comfort does Jesus offer his disciples? 
  • Look at John 13:36, 14:6,8, and 22. What problems are the disciples struggling with? 
  • Put Jesus' statement in John 14:6-7 in your own words. 
  • How does John 1:18 relate to what Jesus says in John 14:9? With what tone of voice do you imagine Jesus speaking in verses John 14:9-14? What evidence does Jesus give for his claims? 
  • Do you think the promises Jesus makes in verses John 14:12-14 are "blank check" promises about prayer? In John 14:12, does he mean the church will do works greater in power? Greater in scope? How could this be?


REFLECT:

  • If Jesus is the Way, do you feel you are on a bumpy, dead-end street, or on a four-lane highway? Why? 
  • In light of John 14:6, how would you respond to someone who says, "There are many ways to God"?





Intro Questions

Text Graphic
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?

  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


A Matter of Death & Life: "A Place Prepared"
John 14:1-6 Death is not the end of life; it is the beginning of life in the presence of God. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for you and wants you to be with him always.





#IAm:InHisOwnWords

I Am: "I Am the Way Truth & Live"
https://youtu.be/EQAYH87UwRs



https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:
Finding Peace in a Troubled World - John 14






“Greater Things”

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)

Evangelism and discipleship begin with a heart that is touched by Jesus. The deeper your relationship with Christ, the more you begin to see people as Jesus saw them.

What caused the Pharisee and the Levite to walk by the wounded traveler while the Good Samaritan stopped to help (Luke 10:25-37)? Let us step into the shoes of the Levite and the Pharisee to see why we might not stop to help such a person. We may be concerned for our safety. Or we may have a full schedule; helping someone might make us late for an appointment. We may have an attitude of indifference toward someone who is different from us. We may think we will miss doing something fun by taking the time to help. Or we may have a hard heart toward someone we feel got what he deserved?

Any of these might be a great excuse in our own eyes; but what would God say in this circumstance? We are not called to respond to every need we run across, but we are challenged to respond from a heart that is being cultivated in the image of Christ.

As God captures your heart, you will begin to take on a new mission. You will start to see life in the context of eternity with God. Life on this earth begins to evolve from a life that focuses on building a kingdom on earth to being on a mission for God. Acts 20:24 gives a picture of what our mission is: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”

Do you think Jesus was thinking of nicer homes, less debt, and more impressive work titles when He said you would do greater things than He when the Holy Spirit comes? No! Instead, in Luke 19:10, Luke declares of Jesus, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” A heart that knows the miracle of salvation and the freedom and peace that come from not facing hell (eternity without God), should burn with a desire to be used by God in obedience to Jesus as in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

A Christian on mission starts to think, see, and act like Jesus. Does your mission field consist of increasing measures of Christian fellowship or, as Luke 5:31-32 says, living a life focused outwardly instead of inwardly, “Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’” A Christian’s mission is to reflect the heart of Jesus, who said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45).

Are you pursuing God’s mission for you in your life? What fruit is being born out of God’s life in you? In all you do, let your mission be aligned to God’s heart and His will for you.

Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."


==========
Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." — John 14:6 (NIV)

Put your trust in Me, and I will keep you safe. There is a deep, deep yearning in your heart for safety and security. You can mask these longings with activity for a time, but only for a time. These feelings actually serve a very good purpose. Properly used, they can point you to Me and My sufficiency. I am the only One who can really, ultimately keep you safe.

Whenever you start to feel insecure—about anything—come to Me. Talk with Me about your fears and concerns; then affirm your trust in Me. Voicing your trust connects you with Me at a deep level. It also pushes back the darkness of deception. The evil one has been deceiving people ever since time began, since the Garden of Eden. Do not listen to his lies.

Instead, put your trust in Me, for I am the absolute Truth. As you come to know Me—the Truth—better and better, I make you increasingly free.

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." — Proverbs 29:25

"The Lord God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman said, 'The serpent deceived me, and I ate.'"— Genesis 3:13

"Jesus said to [Thomas], 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” — John 14:6 (NKJV)

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32 (NKJV)

 


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Tuesday, October 22, 2024

#212 Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (Luke 22:31-38; John 13:31-38) - Life of Christ = Week 43 - Tuesday

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
Luke 22:31-38
John 13:31-38

Jesus Predicts That His Disciples Will Deny Him

Matthew 26:31–35; Mark 14:27–31; Luke 22:31–38; John 13:31–38

Mt 26:31–32Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of you will fall because of Me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32But after I have been resurrected, I will go ahead of you to Galilee. Lk 22:31–32“Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers†.”

Lk 22:33“Lord,” he told Him, “I’m ready to go with You to prison and to death!”

Jn 13:36bJesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.”

Jn 13:37“Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You!”

Jn 13:38aJesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for Me?”

Mt 26:33Peter told Him, “Even if everyone falls because of You, I will never fall!”

34“I assure you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight—[Mk 14:30btoday, this very night] before the rooster crows [Mk 14:30bbefore the rooster crows twice]—you will deny Me three times!”

Mk 14:31But he kept insisting, “If I have to die with You, I will never deny You!” And they all said the same thing.

Lk 22:35aHe also said to them, “When I sent you out without money-bag, backpack, or sandals, did you lack anything?”

35b“Not a thing,” they said.

36Then He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a backpack. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one. 37For I tell you, what is written must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was counted among the outlaws.’ Yes, what is written about Me is coming to its fulfillment.”

38a“Lord,” they said, “look, here are two swords.”

38b“Enough of that!” He told them.[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 211–212). Holman Bible Publishers. 

Intro Questions




Video
Watch Jesus' Upper Room Teaching on @YouVersion.: The disciples argue about who is the greatest among them. Jesus says the greatest must be like the youngest and the leader like the servant. God allows Satan to test people, to separate the good from the bad. Jesus predicts Peter will deny him.

  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?

  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


OPEN:
  • What trait do you share with other family members?

DIG:
  • Why did Jesus wait until Judas had gone to share the message in John 13:31-35? 
  • What does he call the disciples to do (John 13:34)? 
  • What type of person is Peter (John 13:6-9, 36-37)? How do you think he felt after John 13:38?

REFLECT:
  • How do your good intentions compare to Peter's? 
  • On a scale from 1 to 10, how does your church rank against the standard of love? How could you increase its score?

 

"Dying to Live"

“Then Jesus answered, ‘Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!’” (John 13:38)

The question Jesus posed to Peter is a question for every Christian to ponder. It is posed throughout the Bible in many ways, but it takes you to the baseline of being a follower of Christ: Are you willing to put Jesus ahead of everything in your life – including your life?

Peter flippantly answered Jesus in the affirmative only to prove himself wrong multiple times thereafter. The value of this question is that it takes you to the core of discipleship – making Jesus Lord of your life.

Making Jesus Lord is the gateway for experiencing all that Christ has for you. John 12:24-25 figuratively describes what happens: “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Three things result from dying to self: 1) You produce fruit (many seeds) 2) You experience abundant life now; and 3) You will experience eternal life when you physically die. As you look at your life, do you see God’s multiplying life in and through you or is your life in the world’s straight-jacket?

What does an inventory of your life look like? On one side of the ledger are items you are willing to totally surrender to Jesus, while on the other side are items you are not willing to surrender. This process can quickly become very legalistic and exhausting.

The point is not if the ledger favors Christ or you, but where is your heart? Is your heart captured by Jesus or the world? Is your heart captivated and exhilarated by Christ or by your desires? Does the ledger reveal a heart controlled by you or Christ?

No one except Jesus has achieved a clean ledger. Jesus knew the condition of man’s heart before He came, lived, and died for you. Your ability to live totally for Jesus is dependent upon you learning to be reliant on Him. It is through dying to self that the Holy Spirit can thrive in your life. Be willing to step off the throne of your life and into the power and work of the Holy Spirit. It is out of death that your life will flourish!

John 14:12-14 “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.”

 

 


"The Debt of Love"

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)

This verse is so radical that it demands you to rethink your relationships and your approach to people.

Do you interact with others to receive love or to give love? Do you carry anger or love towards people with whom you work or people in your home? Do the offenses of others control your relationships or does your love for them control those relationships? Does your hectic schedule blind you to the needs of those around you?

Are the people you interact with daily merely inconsequential acquaintances or do they represent continuous opportunities to show Christ’s love?

Do those with whom you have a relationship experience love and concern from you or are they merely people to be used?

What if you are taken advantage of or treated unfairly? Do you feel justified in seeking revenge or at least in turning away from them? Or do you choose to let love make a difference?

No matter what the relationship or circumstances, God says your number one priority is to love Him and love others. Your job is not to carry a debt of anger, revenge, hard feelings, inflicting pain on others, misunderstanding, insensitivity, and unfairness, but a “debt of love.”

Your actions and responses should allow Christ’s love to shine through you. This type of lifestyle requires you to let go and just let God be God. The needs of others in the divine realm are more important than the needs you have. Your natural response might scream for justice, but God says, “Justice is mine.”

Do not allow the world’s ways to replace God’s way. Don’t exchange the love of God for the love of self. Have only “a debt of love,” and let it compel you through life.

Romans 14:13, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Consider:

•      With whom do you feel like you have a debt of anger, revenge, or hard feelings? How can you allow God to reclaim that debt and restore love?

•      What are some tangible ways you can be more loving to those around you?



https://www.verseoftheday.com/en/02141998/


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Monday, October 21, 2024

#211 Jesus and the Disciples Share the Last Supper (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-30; John 13:21-30) - Life of Christ = Week 43 - Monday

Importance of Occasion (Upper room)
Luke 22:14-16

Institution of Memorial
Matthew 26:26-29
Mark 14:22-25
Luke 22:17-20

Jesus Hints of Betrayer
Luke 22:21, 23

Apostles Dispute
Luke 22:24-30

Betrayer Identified
Matthew 26:22-25
Mark 14:19-21
Luke 22:22
John 13:22-27a

Jesus sends Judas out
John 13:27b-30

To Mount of Olives
Matthew 26:30
Mark 14:26
Luke 22:39
John 14:31b


Jesus Identifies Judas as the Betrayer

Matthew 26:20–25; Mark 14:17–21; Luke 22:21–23; John 13:21–30

Mk 14:17–18aWhen evening came, He arrived with the Twelve. 18aWhile they were reclining and eating, Jn 13:21aHe was troubled in His spirit and testified, “I assure you: One of youMk 14:18bone who is eating with Me—Jn 13:21bwill betray Me! Lk 22:21But look, the hand of the one betraying Me is at the table with Me!”

Jn 13:22The disciples started looking at one another—at a loss as to which one He was speaking about. Mt 26:22Deeply distressed, each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” [Lk 22:23So they began to argue among themselves which of them it could be who was going to do this thing.]

Jn 13:23–25One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining close beside Jesus. 24Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was He was talking about. 25So he leaned back against Jesus and asked Him, “Lord, who is it?”

Mk 14:20–21He said to them, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping bread with Me in the bowl [Jn 13:26aHe’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it]. 21For the Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

Jn 13:26b–27When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son. 27After Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Therefore Jesus told him, “What you’re doing, do quickly.”

28None of those reclining at the table knew why He told him this. 29Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or that he should give something to the poor.

Mt 26:25aThen Judas, His betrayer, replied, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”

25b“You have said it yourself,” He told him.

Jn 13:30After receiving the piece of bread, he went out immediately. And it was night.[1]


[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 210–211). Holman Bible Publishers.

Jesus Institutes the Memorial Supper

Matthew 26:26–30; Mark 14:22–26; Luke 22:14–20

Lk 22:14–15When the hour came, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. 15Then He said to them, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Mk 14:22As they were eating, He took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body Lk 22:19bwhich is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Mk 14:23aThen he took a cup [Lk 22:20aIn the same way He also took the cup after supper], and after giving thanks, He gave it to them. Mk 14:23bSo they all drank from it. Mk 14:24He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is shed for many Mt 26:28bfor the forgiveness of sins. Mk 14:25I assure you: I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God [Mt 26:29bdrink it new in my Father’s kingdom with you].”[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 212–213). Holman Bible Publishers.


Jesus Teaches about True Greatness

Luke 22:24–30

24Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest. 25But He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ 26But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving. 27For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves.

28“You are the ones who stood by Me in My trials. 29I grant you a kingdom, just as My Father granted one to Me, 30so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.”[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 212). Holman Bible Publishers.


Intro Questions

Text Graphic


  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?

  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
OPEN:
  • When you are troubled, what facial expressions or symptoms appear? In your spirit? 

DIG:
  • If you were a movie director, how would you capture the drama of John 13:18-22? If you had been sitting at this table, what would you be feeling? Saying? 
  • In foretelling his betrayal, what do you sense in Jesus: Resolution? Resignation? Restlessness? What do you feel in his disciples? In Judas? 
  • Is Judas to be excused or held responsible when "Satan entered into him" (John 13:27; also John 6:70; 12:4-6; 13:2)?

REFLECT:
  • If you knew ahead of time that someone would stab you in the back, how would you treat that person? How does Jesus show you what love is all about? 
  • Given three years of very intimate fellowship with Jesus, how could Judas turn around and betray him? Have you ever betrayed Jesus? If so, how?

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