Friday | Week 12
Jesus’s Discourse: Observations and Applications
Jesus’ great discourse in John 13 through 16, in a pre-eminent way, provides comfort and consolation to his disciples whose hearts were troubled. They must have been particularly troubled by the growing realization that the One who loved them dearly and whose presence and affection they deeply desired, the One they had come to know as the Son of God, was soon to depart from the world and return to the Father. After foretelling of Peter’s denial, Jesus opens by saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1, ESV). And again in closing He says, “But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV). He gives them good reason to take heart as He describes the abiding relationship with Him and the Father, which they can experience.
As His discourse proceeds, He exhorts His disciples to bear fruit and to bear witness in a world that they can expect hatred and persecution. He also assures them they will not be alone. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, will be with them and dwell in them, and He will manifest Himself to those who love Him. Amazingly and emphatically, He says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12, ESV). His words are equally encouraging and challenging.
What are some practical applications and challenges we can take away from Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples?
What does Jesus’ new commandment in John 13:34 look like in your life?
What part of loving others as Christ loves you is easy and what part is hard?
What opportunities has God revealed to you to do “greater works that then these”?
(John 14:12)How have you responded? What was the result?
What does it mean to abide in Jesus? (John 15:1-5)
What helps you abide and what hinders you?
What is the fruit to which Jesus refers in John 15?
Is God producing fruit in and through you? Why or why not?
Jesus promises that in Him we may have peace even when there is tribulation in our life (John 16:33). What are some ways you find peace in Christ when there is struggle or tribulation in your life?