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Intro
It has been said that the John’s account of Jesus is shallow enough for a child to play
in and deep enough for an elephant to swim in. There’s so much that can be learnt
from the book of John at all different levels.
Author
John, one of the first disciples of Jesus, and one of his closest friends, was the writer
of this gospel. Mind you, he didn’t write it straight away. John lived to an old age, and
in his later years wrote not only this gospel, but his three small letters (1 John, 2 John
and 3 John) as well as the book of Revelation. If you read carefully, you’ll notice his
distinctive style in all his works. Many scholars think the gospel was written as early
as the year 45 (12 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus) though others think
John wrote in his “retirement”, closer to the years 85-90. As you read, you’ll see lots of
evidence of John’s personal memories and recollections of Jesus.
John’s presentation of the gospel of Jesus is unique. While the other ‘3 gospel writers’
have followed a more-or-less straight line in telling the story of Jesus, John wanders
about in fascinating ways. Rather than simply putting events in the order they happened, it seems he’s gathered his material and arranged it to communicate key ideas.
It’s a work of art, often puzzling - but with John, there’s never a word or comment
wasted. Everything is said for a reason.
We are now at the back end of our studies. Chapters 12-21 are often referred to as
the ‘Book of Glory’, where the focus is sharply on Jesus’ death and resurrection.
These chapters make up ‘part 2’ of our study in the book of John.
As mentioned in the introduction to Part 1 of John gives us a massive clue at the end
of his book as to what he was trying to achieve. “Now Jesus did many other signs in
the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written
so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing
you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)
And don’t forget to check out John’s final verse of the book, ...that could have well
been a ‘library’!
Possible daily prayer for your study in John
Father God, I thank you for the sacrificial death of your Son, and for eternal life I/we
have been given through Jesus’ name. He has revealed your glory. Help me today to
read and receive your word. Help me to keep trusting in Jesus, and know your glory
through him. Amen.
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STUDY 1 John 12
Introduction
If you have ever felt rejected or misunderstood, you know how Jesus felt as his public
ministry came to an end. The hostility against him had risen to a fever pitch, with the
Pharisees bringing the whole Sanhedrin together (meaning they are even talking to their
enemies within the Sanhedrin, especially the Sadducees) to plot against Jesus (Jn 11).
His gentle compassion and abundant miracles were met with oppression and violence.
Jesus knew what none of his friends knew—that he was about to die. In spite of the
fleeting attempts of the crowd to make him King, Jesus chose the way of the cross.
Getting Started
If you knew for sure that you had only one week to live, what would you prioritise in that
week?
What would you consider to be the important things to take place during the week?
Read vv1-11
1. What motivates Mary to pour expensive perfume on Jesus' feet?
2. Judas objects to Mary’s extravagance. What motives and wrong thinking lie behind
his objection (vv. 4-8)?
3. What is Jesus referring to in verse 8, and why does he contrast himself with the poor
in the way he does?
4. In planning to kill Lazarus (v10) what are the chief priests hoping to achieve (v11 is a
big clue)?
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5. Read Zechariah 9:9 & Psalm 118:25-29, and John 12:12-20. What do the shouts of
the crowd tell us about their expectations of Jesus (vv12-13)?
6. What is taking place in vv16-19 that is concerning the Pharisees?
7. In reporting the different approaches towards Jesus in vv16-19 what do you think John
is reminding his readers (even us)?
Read vv20-36
8. In vv20-26 what do you make of Jesus’ response to being told that “Greeks would like
to visit him”?
9. In v27 we read that Jesus’ soul is troubled. Why?
10. Read through verses 23-27 again. (a) What do we learn about Jesus’ mission?
(b) As you listen to John’s record of Jesus’ words, H(i) what are you thinking, ...
(ii) and what are you feeling?
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Applying the Word
What can we learn from this passage about the steps involved in restoring a Christian who
has sinned?
11. All the way through chapters 1-12, Jesus has been saying that his hour has not
yet come. In verses 20-23 an incident happens that leads Jesus to say that his hour
has come. What was the incident, and why would it signify that his hour has come? (cf
1Kings 8:41-43 for a clue)
How does it help to know that you can still serve and glorify God no matter what your past
failures have been?
12. In v27 Jesus is conversing with his heavenly Father. In v28 a voice from heaven in
heard by the crowd (v29) who have differing ideas of what ‘it’ was. Why do you think
Jesus said (v30) that the voice was for their benefit?
PONDER Is what we are told in John convincing enough for people to believe Jesus is
God’s Son (vv. 24-25)?
What are the benefits for the crowd—see vv31-34 & vv35-36?
If John could have written more, what does this tell us about what he has written in John?
PRAYER IDEAS Think back over your readings in John. What have you learnt:
a) about who God is;
b) about what he has done;
Read vv37-50
When we stubbornly refuse to believe, what happens to our spiritual senses, and why
(vv. 37-41)?
Jesus’ last public message to his people is recorded in verses 44-50. What indications
do you find that he is still reaching out in love and grace to those who have rejected
him?
c) about the Christian life?
What do Jesus’ words in v49 indicate?
Respond to God in prayer with your heart and life for what you have learned about Jesus in
your study of John.
Thinking back over all that you have been reading in John, in what areas have you
grown in (a) your knowledge of Jesus
Further reading — 2 Peter.
(b) in your love of Jesus?
Commit these things to God in prayer.
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STUDY 2 John 13
Introduction
There were two concerns on Jesus’ heart just before his crucifixion. One was for his heavenly Father and the other was for his disciples. In John 13-17, we have the privilege of
listening to his conversations with them both. However, before Jesus can instruct his disciples about his death, he has to act out a lesson in servitude. Jesus also shows us the
spirit he expects in those who follow him. Greatness in Christ's eyes does not come from
having many servants but from being the servant of many.
John’s account of the events of Easter Thursday is found in chapters 13-17. This means
that nearly one quarter of John’s Gospel is given over to this one meal on the night before
Easter Friday.
Read vv13:1-17
1. What did Jesus know (vv. 1, 3)?
10. How is Peter still taking care of Jesus’ sheep?
11. What will this mean for those of us who claim to be of Jesus’ flock?
Read 21:20-25
12. What is the overall point of these verses?
13. Why do you think these verses come after 20:30-31?
2. What does Jesus do?
What does Jesus' rebuke to Peter (v22) reveal about the danger of comparing ourselves
with other Christians?
Think it through
14. Who is the disciple that Jesus loved?
3. Why does Jesus do it?
15. How like Peter, is he still taking care of Jesus’ sheep?
4. Explain the significance of the timing of this gesture by Jesus (vv. 1, 3).
16. What will this mean for those of us who claim to be of Jesus’ flock?
5. What does Jesus mean by ‘wash’ here (v. 8b)?
6. Foot-washing was normally done by servants or slaves. Why do you think that Jesus
washed his disciples' feet instead of simply talking to them about love?
17. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? why?
18. Do you believe that you have eternal life in Jesus’ name? why?
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What subtle differences do you notice in Jesus' three questions and Peter's responses
(vv. 15-17)?
7. Was Peter simply being humble when he refused to allow Jesus to serve him (vv. 6-8)?
Explain.
6. What does Jesus mean for Peter to feed and take care of his sheep?
8. What spiritual truth was Jesus communicating to Peter (and to us) in verses 8-11?
7. How does Jesus understand true love and the way in which Peter will demonstrate
that love? (see 15:13)
9. How are we to respond to Jesus’ example of service, and why?
10. What opportunities do you have to serve others?
8. What is the significance of Jesus final command to Peter (v17)? (see 10:11)
Pause, H.and commit those opportunities to God in prayer.
9. Why do you think Jesus chose this particular time to predict the kind of death Peter
would die (vv. 18-19)?
Read vv18-30
11. Why does Jesus go along with what he knows Judas will do?
PONDER Church tradition states that Peter was martyred for his faith in Jesus, crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero Augustus Caesar. Furthermore, it is traditionally held
that he was crucified upside down at his own request, since he saw himself unworthy to
be crucified in the same way as his Lord. What do you make of this tradition?
12. Jesus takes this opportunity to predict his betrayal. What has this got to do with what
Jesus says about “He” (v19)?
13. What is v20 all about?
Think it through
9. What is the distinctive characteristic of Jesus’ sheep? (see 10:27)
14. Evidently, the disciples did not know who would betray Jesus (v. 22). What does this tell
us about how Jesus had treated Judas?
What might this tell us about how Peter was to take care of Jesus’ sheep?
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Read vv31-38
15. What does Jesus mean when he says that he is ‘glorified’ and that God is ‘glorified
in him’ and will ‘glorify him at once’, etc. vv31-32?
STUDY 10 John 21
Introduction
Not all the time, H.but, most of us find it easier to forgive than to forget. We may be ready
to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply, but we have a hard time trusting that person
again. Peter failed Jesus miserably. He promised to give up his life if necessary to protect
Jesus, but denied him a few hours later. Peter knew Jesus had forgiven him.
16. When is the ‘now’ of Jesus’ glorification?
Some questions to think about
But would Jesus still trust him? Could Jesus still use him to bring glory to God? Will Christ
still use us after we've failed?
17. What command (v34) does Jesus leave them with and how is it related to the events
of the night of his betrayal?
Respond to this: How do you feel when someone you have hurt refuses to forgive you?
Read vv1-14
1. Verse 1 begins ‘AfterwardH’ After what?
18. What will result from loving each other as Christ has loved us?
Applying the Word
How would you have treated Judas if you knew he would eventually betray you?
And what is the significance of this? (if any)
2. How would you describe Peter’s relationship with Jesus up to chapter 21? (see 13:37-38,
18:10-26)
John later wrote: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" (1Jn 3:16). In what practical ways can
you exhibit this sacrificial love?
3. What does Peter’s reaction to hearing it was Jesus on the shore tell you about his priorities?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for a strong faith that won't lead you into betrayal when times are tough.
Think about a concrete situation in which you could love a brother or sister just as
Christ has loved you. Pray for the strength and humility to do so.
4. What significance (if any) is there in the detail of the precise number of fish caught?
Read vv15-19
5. Why do you think Jesus asks Peter the same question three times?
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STUDY 3 John 14
Introduction
What are we to make of people who make BIG claims, especially about themselves?
What shows this?
Is this important, and why/why not? (See 1 Tim 2:5.)
Applying the Word
What do you learn from Jesus' encounter with Thomas about dealing with people who
have doubts about Christianity?
Jesus makes a massive claim in John 14, which makes it pretty hard for us to rate him as
just another religious guru. Let’s check it outH
Who would you rate as the most arrogant person going around and why?
Name a couple of well known “gurus” in different fields. What makes them gurus?
Who could you help to understand and believe the claims of Christ?
John tells us why he has written his Gospel in verses 30-31. Of all the "miraculous
signs" John has included, which have been most convincing to you? Why?
Responding in Prayer
Praise God for what he has done in Christ.
Pray for family/friends who don’t know the Lord.
Pray also about times when you might doubt God’s word.
The section from John 13.31-14. 31 is known as ‘the Upper Room Discourse’ as Jesus
prepares his disciples for the events to come, and what they’ll mean for salvation, their
relationship with the Father, the Holy Spirit, evangelism and the importance of obedienceH
Read John 14:1-14
1. Why would the disciples’ hearts be troubled at Jesus’ death?
2. What kind of rooms do you think Jesus is preparing for his followers? (v2)
3. The disciples seem confused at Jesus’ statement about being the way, the truth and
the life, v6. Are you? Yes/No
What’s he driving at?
4. Jesus is preparing his disciples for his coming death. What’s he trying to tell them?
5. How would the promises Jesus makes in verses 1-4 bring comfort to his disciples?
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6. What does Jesus mean when he says “Anyone who has seen me has seen the father”? v9
4. After she does recognize him, what impresses you most about their encounter (vv1618)?
7. What does Jesus say about the following in the upper room?
8. In light of verses 5-14, why is it crucial for our focus to be on Jesus himself?
5. When Jesus appears to his disciples, what specific gifts and promises does he give
them (vv19-23)?
9. What are the ‘greater works’ (v12)?
6. How is the mission of the disciples described in verses 19-23?
7. Finally, Jesus appears to Thomas (vv24-29). How does Thomas's attitude—both before
and after Jesus appears to him— add credibility to the resurrection?
10. Using circles representing JESUS, THE FATHER, and YOU, to draw the relationship
made possible by Jesus. Explain your diagram.
What does Thomas’ request tell us about the nature of the resurrection (vv. 24-29)?
PONDER What do you think of Thomas’ request—fair enough, or a lack of faith?
8. Why was the Gospel of John written?
Read vv15-31
11. How can you tell if someone loves Jesus?
12. What does Jesus promise those who love him?
9. Has going through John helped you to trust in Jesus, or to trust in Jesus more?
If so, how?
13. According to Jesus, how will the Spirit bring comfort and help to his followers (vv15-27)?
PONDER What is the form of Jesus’ resurrected body?
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STUDY 9 John 20
Introduction
One of the many forms of employment I (Maurie) have had was that of a ‘mortuary attendant’ in a local hospital. I could be called upon any time, day or night, to carry out my
role. In those years I never witnessed any corpse come back to life.
Read John 19:38-42
Imagine being with Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, preparing Jesus' body for burial. What thoughts and feelings might have gone through your mind?
Read John 20
1. John records three witnesses to the empty tomb: Mary Magdalene, Peter and "the
other disciple" (more than likely John himself). What important details do we learn from
each one (vv1-9)?
*Mary
14. What is the relationship between our love and obedience to Jesus and his love and presence in our lives (vv. 15-24)?
15. How does the peace Christ offers differ from that which the world offers (vv. 25-31)?
16. What’s the benefit of Jesus telling all this to his disciples before it happens(v29)?
17. What do you learn here about the role of the Holy Spirit?
Applying the Word
Think of a friend who is going through a personal crisis. How could this chapter help you to
minister to that person?
*Peter
*the other disciple
How can Jesus' words help you in a personal crisis or when you have a troubled heart?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to comfort someone you know who is troubled.
Thank God that, while we wait for Jesus, we have not been left alone (v18).
2. John also records three appearances of the risen Christ: to Mary, to his disciples and
to Thomas. Why do you think Mary doesn't immediately recognize Jesus (vv10-15)?
3. How does Jesus prove he is truly alive in body?
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STUDY 4 John 15-16:4
Introduction
Parents will often be heard saying to a child moving through a crowd of people—"Stay
close to me and hold my hand all the time. We won't get separated if we hold on to
each other." Maybe as a parent or a carer of a child you have said something similar.
14. Why do you think John keeps saying that what happens is to fulfill Scripture (v28)?
As Jesus prepared his disciples to face life without his visible presence, he impressed
on them the importance of staying close to him spiritually. He said, "Remain in me." If
you’ve ever longed to understand the secret of spiritual growth, you will find it in Jesus’
words to us in John 15.
15. What was the significance of Jesus' cry "It is finished" (v30; see Jn 17:4)?
Read vv1-17
Jesus' instructions to his disciples in this passage revolve around three symbols—the
vine, the gardener and the branches.
1. What is Jesus trying to communicate by calling himself the true vine?
16. Why was it so important for John to establish the certainty of Jesus' death?
Applying the Word
Only in John’s account is there mention of any disciple of Jesus being at the crucifixion.
When it comes to public identification with Jesus, under what circumstances are you
tempted to make yourself absent?
2. Who are the ‘branches’ and what must branches do to avoid being ‘pruned’?
What aspect of Jesus' death has made the deepest impression on you, and why?
What does this involve?
Responding in Prayer
Thank God for providing salvation to you through Christ's death.
3. What does it mean to remain in Christ (v4)?
4. The Father prunes fruitful branches to make them more fruitful (v2). In what ways
have you experienced the Father's "pruning"?
5. How does bearing fruit glorify God (v8)?
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7. Pilate obviously was trying to release Jesus. What specific attempts did he make
(18:39; 19:4, 6, 10, 12, 15)?
6. What spiritual benefits result from remaining in Christ (vv7-11)?
7. What’s the relationship between love and obedience?
8. According to the notice nailed to the cross, was Jesus crucified for the right thing?
What is the command given to obey?
Read vv23-30
9. When you think about death, what feelings and thoughts come to mind?
Have you heard this somewhere before from the bible, and if so, where from?
10. Three groups were involved in Jesus' death—the soldiers, the Jewish leaders and
Pilate. How would you characterize each one's attitude toward Jesus?
*soldiers
Applying the Word
There are three categories of branches described in this passage—those bearing no fruit,
those bearing some fruit, and those bearing much fruit. In which category would you place
yourself and why?
*leaders
If you are not bearing much fruit, what is Jesus' counsel to you in these verses?
*Pilate
Pause for prayer (If at Growth Group, this could be done quietly)
Picture yourself as a tree laden with plump, healthy fruit. Ask God to help you become the
person he wants you to be.
In what ways do their attitudes toward Jesus parallel those of men and women today?
While on Earth, Jesus did not surround himself with a group of students or even a group of
followers. He placed himself in the company of friends. To admit that we need friends is a
sign of maturity, not immaturity. Our close relationships are to be Christ-like! In this passage Jesus shows us what friendship with him is really like. There’s both comfort and cost.
11. How is Jesus' tender care for Mary evident even while he is dying (vv26-27)?
Talk openly with God about your fears—and/or excitement, as you face the cost of following Jesus.
12. What were Jesus’ last words and what did he mean?
Read John 15:18—16:4
8. What can the disciples expect from the world, and why?
How might this comfort them?
13. What things are we told that confirm Jesus was truly dead?
9. What are the disciples to do, and what will the Holy Spirit do?
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10. Why does Jesus say these things to them?
11. If a non-Christian friend of yours had questions about the reliability of the New Testament,
how could you use these verses to help with their questions?
12. If love is to characterize our relationship with other believers, hate will characterise our
relationships with the world. What reasons does Jesus give for the world's hatred?
13. What does Jesus mean when he says that without his coming, his words and his miracles,
the world "would not be guilty of sin" (vv22-25)?
STUDY 8 John 19
Introduction
There is nothing pleasant or attractive about an execution. One that sticks in my memory was in a televised news report during the 1960’s-70’s war in Vietnam. A captured
soldier was shot. It was a horrific footage.
In Jesus’ day execution was designed to be public and painful. The account of the
crucifixion is not easy to read. You may be tempted to think that Jesus’ death was a
cruel mistake. It wasn’t. Jesus’ life was not taken from him; he laid it down willingly. It
was part of his plan—a plan that included you and me. His cross was in a very real
sense our cross.
Read vv1-22
1. From these verses, list or underline all the references to the kingship of Jesus (either
the word “king”, or references to ‘crown, purple, etc’. What might John be wanting us
to notice?
2. What made Pilate scared?
3. If Jesus is a king, when was his coronation?
14. In what specific ways will the Counselor and the disciples themselves continue the ministry begun by Jesus (15:26-27)?
4. The Jews' true charge against Jesus comes out in verse 7—"He claimed to be the
Son of God." Why do you think Pilate reacted to that statement as he did (vv8-9)?
What kind of treatment can the disciples expect from those who do not know Christ (16:1-4)?
5. Why didn't Jesus say more to Pilate (vv9-11)?
Applying the Word
What kinds of persecution are more probable for us in our ‘western’ society? Explain.
Shouldn't he have defended himself more vigorously?
If we as Christians are not persecuted in some way, what might that imply about our spiritual
commitment?
How are you experiencing the world's hatred as a Christian?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for those around the world who face persecution for their faith.
Pray for help to keep Christ’s commands.
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6. What can you conclude about Pilate's character after reading this passage?
What kind of man was he?
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Applying the Word
How can you respond appropriately to Christ's grace to you?
What does this passage tell you about how you should respond when you are treated unjustly?
Think on this
Over the years ‘Christ killers’ are words known to have been graffitied on Jewish property.
The New Testament speaks of Jewish leaders condemning Jesus to die, and it also says
the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, condemned Jesus to die. There’s a sense, too, in
which we condemned Jesus to die. For He died for our sins. Yet, the most amazing answer to the question of ‘who was responsible for the death of Jesus?’ ...lies in his own
words, "No one takes my life from me. I lay it down of my own choice." (John 10:18)
STUDY 5 John 16:5-33
Introduction
Many of us at Gosford Presbyterian knew Dick Beck as a godly man who knew that, unless
the Lord intervened, the cancer in his body would kill him. Dick was given only months to live,
yet that turned into longer than first suggested. This gave Dick the opportunity to not only
speak of his relationship with Jesus to many people, but also gave him and his family and
friends, the time to express their love for each other.
In John 16 Jesus knows that he will die in less than twenty-four hours. When his disciples are
faced with that reality, Jesus responds to their concerns by talking about the coming Holy
Spirit.
Take a moment think about the people in your life who are important to you. What would you
want to tell them if you knew that you had only a short time to live?
Before you go further, ...pray, asking God to make you ready to hear what Jesus had to say in
his last days.
Read John 16:5-33
1. Jesus said that it was for the disciples' good that he go away and that the Counselor come.
Why was the Spirit's presence more profitable to the disciples than Jesus' presence?
Ponder
Think about a time when you realized you had committed something you truly regretted.
Think on how you felt when you took it to Christ. Thank him for his grace to you then and
now.
How will this study change the way you will face a time of testing in your own life?
2. What did Jesus say the Spirit's ministry would be toward the world (vv8-11)?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to help you follow his example of grace when you are under pressure.
Our world often says, with Pilate, ‘What is truth?’ Pray that the world might know the truth
to which Christ bore witness.
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3. The Spirit's ministry is one of communication. What specific things did Jesus say the Spirit
would communicate to the disciples (vv13-15)?
4. Read verses 5-15 and list all the things that the disciples are to expect of the Spirit.
15
5. How does the Spirit’s role relate to Jesus?
What can we learn from Peter's failure about being ready to stand against the world's challenges?
6. Jesus answers the questions the disciples ask in verses 17-18, not by giving them an explanation but by making them a promise (vv19-22). What was the promise?
7. How is the experience the disciples are about to go through like the experience of a
woman in labour?
Read John 18:28-40
1. A Roman trial included four basic elements: the accusation, the interrogation (search for
evidence), the defense, and the verdict. What events or statements from the text are included in each?
*the accusation (18:29-31)
*the interrogation (search for evidence) (18:32-35)
*the defense (18:36-37)
8. Why would Jesus' promise bring them joy in the midst of their grief and confusion?
*the verdict (18:38).
9. How would Jesus' assurance of the Father's love help the disciples in the days just ahead
of them (vv. 25-33)?
2. What were the crimes Jesus was convicted of in his ‘trials’?
Applying the Word
How can this incident help us when our questions to the Lord seemingly go unanswered?
3. What else does Pilate do to Jesus besides question him?
What is the purpose of this?
How do you respond to the promise in verses 23-24?
4. How would you describe Jesus’ handling of himself through all this?
Responding in Prayer
Reread v33, and give God the desires of your heart, knowing that he wants to make your joy
complete.
Thank God for sending his Spirit to us.
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PONDER What do you think Pilate thought of Jesus?
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STUDY 7 John 18
Introduction
Most of us would hate the thought of being arrested and brought to trial. If we were guilty
of a crime, being arrested would be humiliating. But if we were innocent, it would be devastating. Yet in what should have been a demeaning experience for Jesus, we see again
his majesty and glory. Jesus uses an experience of attack, betrayal and abandonment to
demonstrate his confident trust in the Father. His calm assurance will help us face life's
hurts and injustices with the same trust in the same Father.
Read John 18:1-27
Why would Jesus go to a place where Judas knew he might be found (vv1-3)?
STUDY 6 John 17
Introduction
In Jesus’ final prayer with his disciples, he prays for himself, for them and for you!
Every believer is on Jesus' mind as he faces the greatest trial of his life—the cross.
Spend some time reflecting on God’s glory. To what extent is God's glory foremost in your mind
on a daily basis? Explain.
Read vv1-5
1. Jesus makes only one request for himself—that the Father would glorify him so that he might
glorify the Father. In what way would each one glorify the other (vv. 1-5)?
1. What does v3 suggest the authorities were expecting when they came to arrest Jesus?
2. Why do you think that was so important to Jesus?
2. How hard was it for the guards to capture Jesus, and why?
When the soldiers say they are seeking Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus replies "I am he" (lit. "I
am"; v5). How would you explain the reaction of the soldiers (v6)?
3. Eternal life is a big idea in John (most famously, in John 3:16). What does verse 3 teach us
about the nature of this eternal life?
Why doesn’t Jesus fight and wipe the guards out?
Read vv6-19
4. According to verses 6-19, what specific ministries did Jesus have toward his disciples?
What insight do Peter's action and Jesus' rebuke (v11) give you about our attempts at
times to "help God out" in our own strength and wisdom?
5. What do you think it might mean to be kept in God’s name (v11)?
What specific events in this passage display (a) Jesus' courage, (b) his power and (c) his
obedience to the Father?
(a)
6. What is it that Jesus has given the ‘them’ of these verses (v. 8, 14, cf. v. 6)?
(b)
Who are the ‘them’ Jesus is talking about?
(c)
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7. Twice Jesus asked the Father to protect his disciples from the evil one (vv11, 15). Why
would that protection have been so important in Jesus' mind as he faced the cross?
15. What would it say to believer’s observing us if we are not being sanctified by God’s word?
8. Why do you think Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world H”?
16. What would it say to unbeliever’s observing us if we are not being sanctified by God’s
word?
9. How are the disciples to be sanctified?
It’s probable that Jesus prayed this prayer out loud to bring comfort and assurance to his disciples. In what particular ways do Jesus' words encourage or assure you?
10. What expectations would these verses have raised for the disciples about life in this
world?
Read vv20-26
11. In verse 20, who does Jesus begin to pray for now?
12. Jesus prayed that those who believe in him would be one "so that the world may believe
that you have sent me" (vv21, 23). Why is our unity a powerful argument for the reality of
Jesus (and of his claims upon people)?
Responding with your own prayer
Praise God that, despite suffering and hardship, the disciples went on to testify faithfully to
Jesus.
Thank God for others who have likewise suffered in preaching the gospel, and living out the
gospel.
Ask God to bring/sustain unity to our church by His Spirit and through our fellowship.
Pray for situations where Christian oneness is marred by conflict and sin.
13. Make a list all the things that Jesus prays for his people, including his disciples.
Applying the Word
14. Jesus also asked the Father to sanctify his disciples through his word (v17). How can
we enable God's Word to have that kind of effect on our lives?
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