Upwards Church

God’s pruning of our lives can be painful. He may limit or remove achievements, objects, and abilities. These may not be wrong in themselves, but God knows they will detract from our fruitfulness. We must not resent God’s pruning. Instead, God’s discipline should cause us to turn to him with renewed desire to be productive.

This and other thought provoking *Life Applications are in today’s reading.

Jesus Teaches about the Vine and the Branches / 15:1-17

Jesus object lessons also provide vital resources for preparing future generations of disciples to grow in their faith.

15:1-2 The grapevine is a prolific plant; a single vine bears many grapes. In the Old Testament, grapes symbolized Israel’s fruitfulness in doing God’s work on earth. The prophets had written of Israel as God’s vine, carefully planted and cared for. But the vine was a disappointment because it yielded only rotten fruit; that is, they refused to give him love and obedience. This is very graphic and poignant in Isaiah 5:1-7, a passage Jesus seems to have drawn upon here (see also Jeremiah 2:2, 21; 6:9; Ezekiel 15; 17:5-10; 19:10-14; Hosea 10:1; 14:7). Jesus, with all believers “abiding” in him, is the true vine—the true fulfillment of God’s plan for his people (see Psalm 80:8-17). The new society of God’s people—Christians—originates from Christ and is united to him as branches to a vine. God is the gardener, the cultivator of the vine and the branches. Believers, both sincere and false, are pictured here as the branches.

The fruitful branches are true believers who, by their living union with Christ, produce much fruit. But this union can be broken. The Father cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit. Those who become unproductive—those who turn back from following Christ after making a superficial commitment—will be separated from the vine (see 15:6 for more discussion on the specific identity of the unproductive branches). Unproductive followers are as good as dead and will be cut off and tossed aside. Fruit is not limited to soul winning. In this chapter, answered prayer, joy, and love are mentioned as fruit (15:7, 11-12). Galatians 5:22-24 and 2 Peter 1:5-8 describe additional fruit, explained as qualities of Christian character.

In contrast, he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. Successful gardeners know that pruning, cutting back the branches, increases fruit bearing. Each spring vinedressers cut back each vine to its root stock to enhance its fruitfulness. Sincere believers, the fruitful branches, will be “pruned,” meaning that God must sometimes discipline us to strengthen our character and faith. But branches that don’t bear fruit are “cut off” at the trunk and are completely discarded because they are worthless and often infect the rest of the plant. People who won’t bear fruit for God or who try to block the efforts of God’s followers will be cut off from his life-giving power.

*LIFE APPLICATION: PAINFUL GROWTH

The act of pruning appears harsh. The vinedresser cuts back the lush, growing branches just as they are about to flower. The wise gardener knows that good must sometimes be sacrificed for better. Grape branches or tendrils can grow very fast and very long (twelve to twenty feet). But as they develop length and size, they use resources that could be channeled into making fruit. Pruning focuses the growth and energy of the plant. A lush vine with little fruit has failed its purpose.

God’s pruning of our lives can be painful. He may limit or remove achievements, objects, and abilities. These may not be wrong in themselves, but God knows they will detract from our fruitfulness. We must not resent God’s pruning. Instead, God’s discipline should cause us to turn to him with renewed desire to be productive.

15:3-4 Jesus’ illustration here shifts to a different level. This pruning is spiritual, taking away the contamination of sin. This verse indicates that the disciples have already been pruned because they had accepted the Lord’s message; they were ready for greater fruitfulness. But not so with Judas, the betrayer; he was not clean—therefore, he was one of those branches that had been cut off.

Believers are to remain in Jesus, the vine, and he will remain in us. A vine branch can survive and produce foliage for a while after it has been severed, but it cannot produce fruit unless it is connected to a root stock. As Jesus had a living dependence on the Father (see 6:57), so believers in Jesus need to have a living dependence on him. “Remaining,” for the disciples and for all believers today, means to make a constant, moment-by-moment decision to follow Christ. And we must not be passive—believers don’t just sit and “remain” until they die. Instead, we must be active—we have a lot to do.

LIFE APPLICATION: REMAIN OR ABIDE IN ME

Remaning/Abiding in Christ means:

• believing that he is God’s Son (1 John 4:15)
• receiving him as Savior and Lord (John 1:12)
• doing what God says (1 John 3:24)
• continuing to believe the gospel (1 John 2:24)
• relating in love to the community of believers, Christ’s body (John 15:12)

Each of these activities begins at some point, but the long-term (branch-to-vine) practice is “abiding.”

15:5-6 Each branch that continues to remain in the vine will produce much fruit. This “fruit” could be new converts (15:5), or “the fruit of the Spirit” (see Galatians 5:22), or both. The fruit of the Spirit displayed in our lives should attract people to Jesus and thereby make them new members of God’s vine. Jesus’ emphasis here was not to dwell on our glaring inadequacies, but to remind us of the incomparable adequacy that comes from our relationship with him. Apart from him, we can do nothing.

*LIFE APPLICATION: ARE YOU ATTACHED?

Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to a vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the Vine? If not, you are missing the key to living the Christian life.

Each branch that does not continue to remain in the vine is removed from the vine. The branch seems physically attached, but it is not organically part of the plant because it does not participate in the life-giving flow of the vine. Sooner or later, that branch will drop off and have to be thrown away. Three traditional interpretations have tried to identify who these useless branches might represent:

1. For some, these branches are true believers who have lost their salvation because they were cut off from Christ.

2. For others, these burned branches are Christians who will lose rewards but not salvation on the day of judgment (1 Corinthians 3:15). But this is probably not true because Jesus was speaking of dead branches.

3. For still others, these burned branches refer to those professing to be Christians who, like Judas Iscariot, are not genuinely saved and therefore are judged. Judas, a disciple of Jesus, seemed like a branch, but he did not truly believe. Therefore, he was cut off; his fate was like that of a dead branch. Given John’s concern to make committed disciples of his readers and Jesus’ goal to bring people into a continuing relationship with himself, this view provides a healthy balance. It keeps the decision of destiny as God’s responsibility while preserving an emphasis on our responsibility to “remain” in the relationship. In any case, the verse is not so much aimed at creating discomfort and doubt as it is in teaching the importance of daily connectedness with Christ.

15:7-8 True disciples do more than just believe what Jesus says; they let Jesus’ words remain in them. Then they can ask any request of him and it will be granted. In this passage and in 14:13-14, “asking God” is connected with fruit bearing and doing greater things for God. When a believer remains in Christ and Christ’s words remain in him, that person’s prayers will be answered. This does not mean that all requests are granted—for the context suggests that the prayers should pertain to fruit bearing (either helping others believe, or showing more of the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life) and glorifying the Father. An essential part of being a disciple requires bearing fruit for the Lord. And in order to pray for results, a person must remain in Christ. For when we remain in him, our thoughts and desires conform to his, and we can pray “in his name” (14:13), knowing that our requests please God. We can be assured then that whatever we ask will be done.

*LIFE APPLICATION: MORE THAN WORDS

How do we let Jesus’ words remain in us? Jesus’ words remain in us when we know what he said and did, and when we allow those words and actions to affect the way we live. By reading and memorizing, we take in God’s Word; by obeying, we indicate that the words abide in us:

• We learn from Jesus’ actions and teaching what to do.
• We learn from his responses how we should respond.
• We learn from his compassion how we should love others.
• We learn from his obedience how we should submit to the Father.
• We learn from his self-control how to stay pure and strong.

A vine that produces much fruit glorifies God, for daily he sends the sunshine and rain to make the crops grow, and he constantly nurtures each plant and prepares it to blossom. What a moment of glory for the Lord of the harvest when the harvest is brought into the barns, mature and ready for use! He made it all happen! This farming analogy shows how God is glorified when we come into a right relationship with him and begin to “bear much fruit” in our lives.

15:9 Believers must remain in Jesus (15:4), remain in his words (15:7), and remain in his love. For the Son to love us in the same way that his Father loves him means we receive the greatest love possible. We should respond with total dedication, commitment, and obedience.

15:10 We can remain in Jesus’ love by obeying his commands—just as he obeyed his Father’s commands. If we do so, we will experience the daily joy of obedience to our Lord. Jesus himself modeled two important behaviors for true disciples: (1) since he obeyed his Father’s commands, we can obey his; (2) and he loved them, so they should love one another. Jesus not only tells us what to do; he shows it through his life.

*LIFE APPLICATION: FULL JOY

When things go well, we feel elated. When hardships come, we sink into depression. But true joy rises above the rolling waves of circumstance. Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives intertwine with his, he helps us walk through adversity without sinking into debilitating lows, and we can manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily keeps us levelheaded no matter how high or low our circumstances.

15:11 Jesus does not call Christians to a dull existence of being hated by the world, obeying commands, and waiting to get to heaven. Instead, he offers us fullness of joy! Nothing else in all the world can bring the joy that we find in serving, abiding in, and obeying Christ.

15:12-13 Jesus commanded his followers to love each other as he loved them. The highest expression of love people could have for others is to lay down their lives for them—just as Jesus did for those he loved. We must love each other sacrificially, as Jesus loved us. He loved us enough to give his life for us (see Romans 5:7-8). We may not have to die for someone, but we can practice sacrificial love in many other ways: listening, helping, encouraging, giving. We do not need to feel love for everyone. Some people will be difficult to love, but still we are commanded to act lovingly toward our fellow believers.

*LIFE APPLICATION: LOVING HIS WAY

We are powerless to obey Jesus’ command to love unless he lives within us. He must enable us to love in his way. Consider all the provisions he gives us to enable us to love others:

• He frees us from the tyranny of self-love.
• He frees us from crippling guilt.
• He focuses our thoughts on others, not on our own problems or shortcomings.
• He restrains our selfish desires.
• He comforts us by the Holy Spirit.
• He challenges us with his own example of patience and concern for others.
• He encourages us with the support of Christian brothers and sisters.

With his powerful life within us, we can be channels for his love to others.

15:14-15 In those days, the disciples of a rabbi were considered his servants. Jesus changed that relationship; the disciples were not his servants but his friends. Jesus considered them his friends because he had told them everything he had heard from the Father. This showed that Jesus trusted them to receive these communications and then pass them on to others as the gospel. In fact, he had chosen and appointed them for this task.

*LIFE APPLICATION: CLOSE FRIENDSHIP

What kind of relationship do you have with Jesus? Do you picture yourself as a reluctant servant or an intimate friend? The following questions will help you determine the quality of your relationship with Jesus:

• Do you do what he commands? (He wants you to love him enough to love others.)
• Do you know what he wants to do in the world? (He wants others to experience his love and know who he is.)
• Do you know how Jesus thinks? (He wants you to be familiar with what he heard from the Father.)

15:16 Jesus chose these disciples and appointed them to spread the gospel and produce fruit for God’s Kingdom. The Lord chooses each believer to be a branch in the vine—a branch that bears fruit that will last. The remaining, or lasting, fruit means either new believers whose faith perseveres, or the enduring quality of the fruit of the Spirit—especially brotherly love.

Then, Jesus speaks of making requests to the Father: “That the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” As in verses 7-8, Jesus linked the request making with the fruit bearing. The Father would answer their requests in order to help them accomplish the mission he gave them—to produce “fruit that will last.”

*LIFE APPLICATION: THE CHOICE

Jesus made the first choice—to love and to die for us, to invite us to live with him forever. We make the next choice—to accept or reject his offer. Unless he chose us, we would have no choice to make.

15:17 This verse capsulizes the theme that Jesus introduced in verse 12 and yet also serves as a contrast for what follows. The disciples must love each other because they would take Jesus’ message to a world that despised them. Christians get plenty of hatred from the world; from each other we need love and support.

Jesus legislated love. He required his disciples to make peace with one another, to place the interests of others above their own, and to solve differences quickly. He knew they were diverse in background, but he ordered them to love each other. Jesus knew that setting this high standard was essential to preserving the unity of the church. If he required it, the believers would accept and live out this standard. Backbiting, disrespect, and bitterness toward fellow believers strips the church of its power.

*LIFE APPLICATION: COMMANDED TO LOVE

Our world wants love to be spontaneous and driven by feeling. But Jesus knows our deeper need. We know we ought to love even when we don’t feel like it because we want others to love us when we are unlovable. In Jesus we find both the supreme model for loving and the supreme resource. He commands us to love, and he helps us accomplish his command.

Jesus knew that if we would practice love, then the feelings of love would follow naturally. If we waited to be motivated by affection for others, we would never love others. Treating others with honor and respect (even when we don’t feel they deserve it) may generate good will and affection. If we understand how deeply we are loved by God in spite of our sin, we will be pushed in the direction of loving others ourselves. Those who do not realize God’s love for them find it difficult to love others.

Jesus Warns about the World’s Hatred / 15:18—27

Jesus called the disciples to abide in him and to love one another. But their relationship with the world would be entirely different. Because they loved Christ and were so like him, the world would transfer its hatred of Christ to the disciples. Yet they must take the Good News to the world. This section explains how the disciples, with the help of the Counselor, would continue Jesus’ work of glorifying the Father in a hostile world.

*LIFE APPLICATION: REJECTION

Though people cannot always verbalize why they reject Christ our belief in him they have specific reasons. Christ threatens the systems of this world. Here are several reasons the world rejects Christ and his followers:

• Christians’ values contradict the values of those who do not follow Jesus. The world rejected the way Jesus lived, and will reject the way we live, if we live like Jesus.
• Christians submit to God in a world that deifies either independence or rigid conformity to a human system. Christians are free from all authority except God (and those authorities that God has ordained). The world resented Jesus’ freedom; it will resent ours.
• Christians believe in absolutes in a world that proclaims absolute pluralism and the absence of divine standards.
• Christians return love for hatred and are therefore hated even more. Jesus forgave those who crucified him. Christians who show Jesus’ kind of love are misunderstood and hated even more.

15:18-19 Jesus was hated from the very beginning (when Jesus was a young child, King Herod sought him out to kill him—Matthew 2:13-16). He was hated at the end when the people rejected him as the Savior and called for his crucifixion. The same world would surely hate those who proclaim allegiance to the crucified Lord. Jesus wants believers to be distinctive; he sets us apart from the world. His choosing and setting us apart makes us holy and helps us grow. Our very separation from the world arouses the world’s animosity. The world would prefer that we were like them; since we are not, they hate us (see 1 Peter 4:3-4).

*LIFE APPLICATION: WELCOMED REJECTION

Jesus taught us to expect rejection. Rejection may be difficult to take, but if we never experience it, we may be hiding our belief from others. If we profess Christ and are warmly embraced by the world, we should reexamine our commitment and life-style. If we remain silent about our faith in order to gain acceptance by the world, we have made a poor trade. In fact, we are being dishonest in two ways: We deny the faith we claim as central in our lives, and we deceive those whose acceptance we want by not revealing our Christian faith. The Scriptures warn us, “Friendship with the world is hatred toward God” (James 4:4 niv; see also 2 Timothy 3:10-12; 1 John 2:15-17; 3:1; 4:5-6).

15:20-21 Jesus had told the disciples this earlier that evening (13:16; also Matthew 10:24). He had been speaking of their need to imitate his acts of humble service. They also needed to understand that, if their Lord was not respected or honored by the world, they should expect even harsher treatment. To persecute believers is to persecute Christ because believers are an extension of Christ, as branches are an extension of the vine. Yet despite certain persecution, believers are called to share the gospel—this includes not just telling the story, but giving the invitation to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. While they will face those who hate them because they belong to Christ, it would also be true that those who would have listened to Jesus will listen to the disciples.

*LIFE APPLICATION- WITNESS

Every believer is a witness for Jesus—either good or bad. Unbelievers will develop their opinion about Jesus by watching Jesus’ followers. If you are following Jesus and trying to be a good witness for him, you will encounter some who will scoff, some who will ignore your witness, and some who will downright hate (even persecute) you. But there will also be those who will believe, turn to Christ, and find salvation. Each day, ask God to help you see those people he wants you to reach!

15:22-25 Jesus said that the Jews would not have been guilty of rejecting God if they had not rejected Jesus Christ—who was God in the flesh. But since they did reject Jesus, who came to reveal God the Father to all humanity, they had no excuse for their sin. Their rejection of Jesus caused their sin to be fully exposed because, as Jesus said, “Anyone who hates me hates my Father, too.” They actually hated the Son and the Father—even after seeing the marvelous works Jesus performed.

The entire nation should have recognized and responded to the Messiah. Ironically, their own Scriptures predicted this rejection and hatred. Jesus knew the hatred fulfilled what the Scriptures said (see Psalm 69:4). The Jews had no reason to hate Jesus—he came as their Savior, fulfilling their Scriptures, doing miraculous signs, and promising eternal life to those who believed in him. Yet the people thought they were serving God by rejecting Jesus, when in reality, they were serving Satan (8:44).

15:26-27 In 14:26 Jesus had said that the Father would send the Counselor, the Spirit of truth. The word Counselor conveys the helping, encouraging, and strengthening work of the Spirit as he represents Christ. The Spirit of truth points to the teaching, illuminating, and reminding work of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit ministers to both the head and the heart, and both dimensions are important. The Spirit would come to the disciples and tell them all about him. These disciples were the vital link between Jesus Christ and all subsequent believers. They would need the Holy Spirit to remind them so that as they preached, taught, and wrote, they would spread the truth of the gospel. The Holy Spirit would see to it that their witness would not be impaired by persecution. Jesus has already forewarned these men about the persecution to come so that they would not be surprised.

The disciples would tell others that Jesus is the Messiah. The Holy Spirit would testify by preparing people’s hearts and minds, persuading them of the truth of the gospel, and enabling them to receive the message. By application, this verse extends to all Christians. All Christians are called to testify of Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to help them through times of persecution and to remind them of the truth of God’s word and work in the hearts and minds of their listeners.

“As Christians, we are tempted to make unnecessary concessions to those outside the Faith. We give in too much.   Now, I don’t mean that we should run the risk of making a nuisance of ourselves by witnessing at improper times, but there comes a time when we must show that we disagree. We must show our Christian colours, if we are to be true to Jesus Christ. We cannot remain silent or concede everything away.”  C. S. Lewis

www.RidgeFellowship.com

Sources:

— Life Application Bible Commentary

 — Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Jesus says this and teaches about the Holy Spirit in this chapter.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled…”    When we face troubling times we often feel overwhelmed by fear, doubts, grief, and conflict. Our outer resources may evaporate and our inner strength may prove inadequate. Though faced with possible or certain failure, we have assurances in Jesus’ words to remain calm and hopeful:

 This and other *Life Applications are in today’s reading.

 Jesus Is the Way to the Father / 14:1-14

After predicting Peter’s denial (13:38), Jesus spoke to the deep concerns of the disciples. They were confused; he encouraged them to trust. They needed to anchor that trust in Jesus. He indicated that he and the Father would prepare a place for them while he was gone, but that he would return to gather them.

After this intimate opening dialogue, the Last Supper discourse began. The next several chapters have been among the most treasured of those who follow Jesus. They not only draw us close to him; they also give us compelling reasons to invite others into that fellowship with our Savior.

14:1 Jesus spoke to Peter (whose denial of Jesus had just been predicted—see 13:38) and to all the other disciples, telling them, “Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me.” All of the disciples must have been troubled about Jesus’ predictions of betrayal, denial, and departure. After all, if Peter’s commitment was shaky, then every disciple should be aware of his own weaknesses. Jesus urged his disciples to maintain their trust in the Father and in the Son, to continue trusting through the next few very difficult days

*LIFE APPLICATION: STRONG WEAK PEOPLE

Jesus did not want his followers to imitate Peter’s impulsive self-confidence. Potential weaknesses and possible failures trouble us. So we don’t like to think about them. Peter denied his own frailty and claimed more faith than he had. Jesus’ solution for troubled hearts requires us to trust in him. Trust does not mean pretending we are strong; it means recognizing our weakness and need for God’s help. If we believe for a moment that we can follow Jesus in our own strength, we will fail as miserably as Peter.

*LIFE APPLICATION: TRUST IN ME?

When we face troubling times we often feel overwhelmed by fear, doubts, grief, and conflict. Our outer resources may evaporate and our inner strength may prove inadequate. Though faced with possible or certain failure, we have assurances in Jesus’ words to remain calm and hopeful:

• God is trustworthy, and he has sent Christ, who is also trustworthy, to us. No one else deserves our trust.
• God has a gracious welcome and plenty of space in his “house.” We need not fear exclusion or separation from him.
• Jesus spoke the truth. His description of the future was realistic. He has never been proven wrong. We can rely on both Jesus’ teaching and his promises.
• Jesus did exactly what he said he would do, return to the disciples after the Resurrection. In so doing, he guaranteed our entrance into God’s presence and our place in God’s house.
• Jesus is always with us, and someday we will be face to face with him. Whatever the future holds, Jesus promised to be our companion. We know who Jesus is and how much he loves us.

14:2 The traditional interpretation of this phrase teaches that Jesus is going to heaven to prepare rooms or “mansions” for his followers. Based on that imagery, entire heavenly subdivisions and elaborate “mansion blueprints” have been described. Many commentators think that Jesus was speaking about his Father’s house in heaven, where he would go after his resurrection in order to prepare rooms for his followers. Then he would return one day to take his believers to be with him in heaven. The day of that return usually has been regarded as the Second Coming.

The other view is that the passage primarily speaks of the believers’ immediate access to God the Father through the Son. The place Jesus was preparing has less to do with a location (heaven) than it does with an intimate relationship with a person (God the Father). This interpretation does not deny the comfort of heaven’s hope in this passage, but it does remove the temptation to view heaven purely in terms of glorious mansions. Heaven is not about splendid accommodations; it is about being with God. The point of the passage is that Jesus is providing the way for the believers to live in God the Father. As such, the way he prepared the place was through his own death and resurrection and thereby opened the way for the believers to live in Christ and approach God.

According to this view, the Father’s house is not a heavenly mansion, but Christ himself in whom all the believers reside. By expansion, the Father’s house is Christ and the church (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:20-22; Hebrews 3:2). The believers don’t have to wait until the Second Coming to live in this house; once Christ rose from the dead he brought them into a new, living relationship with God (see 20:19-23). He would be the means whereby the believers could come to dwell in the Father and the Father in them. As such, the promise in 14:2-3 relates to the corporate fellowship that would be possible through Christ’s departure and return in the Spirit. In this view, the many rooms would be the many members of God’s household. Christ went to prepare a place for each member in God’s household (1 Chronicles 17:9)—the preparation was accomplished by his death and resurrection.

14:3 There are three ways to understand the words, “I will come and get you”: (1) Jesus’ coming again to the disciples would be realized in a short while. When Jesus said, “I will come,” that coming again occurred on the day of his resurrection. (2) Jesus’ coming is the Second Coming. (3) This “coming” refers to both the Resurrection and the Second Coming—the former foreshadowing the latter. Those who hold this view, therefore, extract a double meaning from Jesus’ words in verses 2 and 3; they say the passage speaks both of the believers being brought into the risen Christ as the many “rooms” in the Father’s house and of the believers being brought by the returned Christ into the Father’s house in heaven. It does seem that both meanings merge. Christ has us completely in his care.

*LIFE APPLICATION: ETERNITY TODAY

There are few verses in Scripture that describe eternal life, but these few verses are rich with promises. Here Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you,” and “I will come again.” We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in him. But we can actually begin to enjoy eternal life now, for it became ours the moment we believed in Jesus. We can live today with a new destiny in mind. Although we do not know all the details of eternity, we need not fear because Jesus is preparing us to share with him the eternity that he and the Father have prepared for us.

14:4 Jesus said, “You know where I am going and how to get there.” This statement anticipated Thomas’s question (in the next verse) and prepared the groundwork for what Jesus was about to teach regarding himself. Jesus was not naively hoping his disciples understood; he was inviting them to declare their ignorance so they might receive the truth.

*LIFE APPLICATION: THE WAY

Many people are shocked that Christians insist upon Jesus being the Way and the only Way. But Christians did not invent the claim. No ancient committee decided that Jesus’ uniqueness would be a distinctive teaching of Christianity. Jesus himself made the claim. It really isn’t a question of tolerance or being open to diversity; it is a question of whether we want to accept what Jesus said.

Following are three reasons why people reject Jesus’ claim to be the only way to God:

1. They are satisfied with their own way or with doing nothing; they refuse on principle to examine Christ’s claims.

2. They deny they are  lost or have need of a savior.

3. They are convinced that there must be several valid ways besides Jesus to get to God.

Jesus claimed to be the only way to God the Father. Some people may argue that this way is too narrow. In reality, it is wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept it. Instead of worrying about how limited it sounds to have only one way, we should be saying, “Thank you, God, for providing a sure way to get to you!”

14:5-6 Clearly, the disciples didn’t know what Jesus meant. Thomas expressed the obvious by asking, “We haven’t any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Like us, the disciples thought in terms of this world—time and space. So going must mean physically moving from one place to another. Jesus replied: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Jesus’ response shows that the destination is not a physical place but a person (the Father), and that the way to that destination is another person (the Son). Jesus is the Way to the Father; Jesus is the Truth (or reality) of all God’s promises; and Jesus is the Life as he joins his divine life to ours, both now and eternally. Jesus is the way that leads to the truth and life.

*LIFE APPLICATION: THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE

Jesus provides for us as much as we need to know and can know about God. “No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known” (1:18 nrsv).

• He is the WAY: John 1:18; 8:36; 10:9; Colossians 1:15.

Jesus is both God and man, knowing intimately our experience and our needs. He is our path, bridge, transport—not just an example or road sign. He is our guide with dependable directions and powerful protection. Our personal relationship with Christ links us to God. Our response should be to follow his guidance, trusting his ability to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

•  He is the TRUTH: John 1:14, 17; 5:19; 8:29.

Jesus is our source of intimate knowledge of the Father. His answers, teaching, and commands were right. No shadow of dishonesty, falsehood, or lying was in his life. He is the reality of all God promised. Our response should be to believe in him and put into practice what he taught.

•  He is the LIFE: John 1:4; 3:15; 5:26; 10:10; 11:25.

Jesus gives us life both now and eternally. His life provides the surest model for our own. He promises to join his life to ours. There is no other source of life beside him. Our response should be to receive that life and allow it to work itself out in our daily experience.

Jesus’ exclusive claim is unmistakable. It forces an unconditional response. Jesus invites people to accept or reject him, making it clear that partial acceptance is rejection. His self-description invalidates alternative plans of salvation. Some would say that a single way is entirely too restrictive. But that attitude fails to see the desperate state of the human condition. That there is a way at all is evidence of God’s grace and love. The state of human rebellion can be seen in this: We are like people drowning at sea who are graciously thrown a life-saving rope but who respond by insisting that we deserve a choice of several ropes along with the option of swimming to safety if we so choose.

14:7 In verses 2-6, Jesus told the disciples that he provides the one and only way to the Father. In verses 7 and following, he tries to explain that he is the visible manifestation of the Father. To know Jesus is to know the Father (see 1:18; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). Jesus shifted the questioning from the future to the present. Instead of being preoccupied with Jesus’ going and how they could get there, they were to realize that Jesus opened the way to the Father right now. The disciples needed to discern the meaning of Jesus’ time on earth and then respond to him as their Savior. Jesus holds the way open for us today—from now on, we can begin a relationship with the Father by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. The disciples had not yet thoroughly understood this incredible truth, for the death and resurrection of Jesus had not yet occurred (although Jesus had spoken about them), and the Holy Spirit had not yet arrived to help them understand.

14:8-9 Philip was not satisfied—he wanted to see the Father. But Jesus explained that to see him is to see the Father, for Jesus is God in human form (see 1:14, 18). Philip and the disciples, after their years with Jesus, should have come to know and recognize that the one among them was God in human, physical form. He is the visible, tangible image of the invisible God. He is the complete revelation of what God is like. Jesus’ answer contains no rebuke; he explained to Philip, who wanted to see the Father, that to know Jesus is to know God. The search for God, for truth and reality, ends in Christ. (See also Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:1-4.)

*LIFE APPLICATION: UNMET DESIRES

Was Philip wrong, shallow, or out of place to question the Lord? Whatever Philip’s personal reasons for asking Jesus to “show us the Father,” his question shows how much easier it is to ask for more proof than to act on what we already know. We expect God to satisfy our conditions before we will trust him. These conditions take some of the following forms:

• The desire for assurance: “Please give us bomb-proof faith in who you are and exactly what you expect from us. Protect us from doubts and ambiguity.”
• The desire for intimacy: “Please give us such a constant feeling of being close to you that we will never be alone or afraid again. Protect us from the risks of broken relationships and living in a fallen world.”
• The desire for knowledge: “Please give us a deep understanding of your nature. Protect us from confusion.”

These desires may be real, but God is not obligated to satisfy them. Most of us will experience desires that will go unfulfilled in this life. In fact, unmet desires remind us to submit to God. He is in charge; not us. In Christ, God has given us all the resources we need to live, to love, and to serve. Eventually, Christ will help us understand why some of our desires go unmet. In the meantime, we are to trust and go on.

14:10-11 This statement conveys the complete unity between Jesus and the Father (see 10:30, 38; 17:21-24). This unity ensures that Jesus truly and completely revealed God to us. This unity goes far deeper than Jesus being of one mind with the Father—merely reflecting the intentions of the Father. Jesus and God were one in essence and purpose. Because of this oneness, Jesus said, “The words I say are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.” If believing in this oneness is too difficult for you just now, Jesus told the disciples, “at least believe because of what you have seen me do.” God’s power was revealed through Jesus’ works.

14:12 Very likely Jesus gave this promise specifically to his disciples concerning evangelism—”bearing much fruit” (see 15:7-8). There are two parts to the greater works: There would be a greater number of converts, and there would be a greater scope to the converts. Jesus performed some truly impressive miracles during his earthly ministry; his disciples would perform even greater ones after his resurrection. Furthermore, the disciples, working in the power of the Holy Spirit that would be sent to them after Jesus went to the Father, would carry the gospel of God’s Kingdom out of Palestine and into the whole world and thus to the Gentiles.

14:13-14 To pray “in Jesus’ name” is to pray in union with Jesus’ person and purpose because the “name” of a person symbolized his essence and destiny. We have the promise of answered prayer described in these verses if we properly understand the context of Jesus’ last discourse. Jesus promised the disciples that their requests concerning fruit bearing would be answered because it would bring glory to God (see 4:41; 7:18; 8:50, 54). The next chapters clarify this (15:7-8, 16; 16:23-24).

When Jesus says we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in his name—that is, according to God’s character and will. God will not grant requests contrary to his nature or his will, and we cannot use his name as a magic formula to fulfill our selfish desires. If we are sincerely following God and seeking to do his will, then our requests will be in line with what he wants, and he will grant them. (See also 15:16; 16:23.)

*LIFE APPLICATION: IN JESUS’ NAME

Asking in Jesus’ name means more than tacking a required phrase at the end of hasty and often self-centered prayers. The privilege to approach God “in Jesus name” ought not to be taken lightly. We demonstrate maturity in our faith as we practice the use of Jesus’ name in ways which recognize his enabling power and his unlimited resources. Keep in mind:

• Christ’s kingdom purpose—Everything Jesus did aimed at glorifying God and bringing those who believe into his kingdom. Do your prayers fit in with Christ’s kingdom purpose?
• Christ’s larger perspective—Christ considers our needs in the context of the needs and desires of his larger family. He knows us individually, but responds to us in community. Do your prayers insist on your will being done or do you seek God’s will for all your Christian brothers and sisters?
• Christ’s requirement to follow him—Because we are his obedient disciples, Christ promises to answer our prayers. Do your prayers flow from an obedient life? Are you willing to fulfill what God has already asked you to do?
• Christ’s promise of peace—Lack of peace stems from a prayerless life, not from unanswered prayer. Are you overanxious to speed up God’s timetable for your benefit? His peace enables us to sort through our desires in order to discover what we really want him to do. We are encouraged to bring all our requests to God—even our desperate and fearful ones.

 Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit / 14:15-31

The second half of chapter 14 includes Jesus’ teaching on the resources of discipleship. Jesus prepared his followers for his physical absence by telling them that they would experience his presence more fully and intimately because the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, would take up residence in them.

14:15-17 Prior to this, Jesus had urged the disciples to love one another. Then he spoke of their love for him. Truly loving Jesus requires that we do what he commands. Eternal life is a gift that we cannot work for or earn. Once we begin that life in Christ, loving and obeying Christ’s commands become the evidence that he is in us. This is John’s emphasis in his first epistle (see 1 John 5:2-3).

Various translations use different words for the Holy Spirit here: Advocate, Helper, Comforter. The Greek word parakletos denotes the Helper or Counselor who is always there to give special care in times of need. But the Holy Spirit is more than a Comforter, Helper, and Counselor; he is also an Advocate and an Encourager. In this context, it is also clear that the Holy Spirit is the Son’s “Representative,” even as the Son was the Father’s “Representative.”

The expression another Counselor means “another counselor of the same kind as the first.” This implies that Jesus was the first Counselor (see 1 John 2:1), and that the Spirit would be the same kind of Counselor. When Jesus would no longer be with the disciples physically, the Holy Spirit would be their constant companion to guide, help, and empower them for the tasks ahead. Jesus identified the Counselor as the one who leads into all truth because he is the Spirit who reveals the truth about God.

*LIFE APPLICATION: THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus would soon leave the disciples, but he would remain with them. How could this be? The Counselor—the Spirit of God himself—would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples. The regenerating power of the Spirit came on the disciples just before his ascension (20:22), and the Spirit was poured out on all the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2), shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within all believers, helping us live as God wants, and building Christ’s church on earth. By faith we can appropriate the Spirit’s power each day.

The following chapters teach these truths about the Holy Spirit:

•  He will be with us forever (14:16).
•  The world at large cannot accept him (14:17).
•  He lives with us and in us (14:17).
•  He teaches us (14:26).
•  He reminds us of Jesus’ words (14:26; 15:26).
•  He convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgment on evil (16:8).
•  He guides into truth and gives insight into future events (16:13).
• He brings glory to Christ (16:14).

The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost (Acts 2) he came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit’s activities, but to those who hear Christ’s words and understand the Spirit’s power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life.

It may seem, at first, that the world at large cannot receive the Spirit because of its sin and disobedience. But if that were the case, no one could accept the Spirit, for all of us sin and are disobedient. Instead, the world cannot receive this Spirit of truth because the world isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. In the same way that Jesus was not accepted by the world (see 1:11-12), the Spirit would also not be received. But the disciples (and all believers) can receive the Spirit, for Jesus said, “But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” The disciples, sinful men, not clear in their understanding at this point, even somewhat greedy in their quest for positions in God’s Kingdom, would be able to know the Spirit, for the Spirit would come to live in them, helping them understand and empowering them to do great works for God. The world has refused to know Jesus; but any sincere seeker, no matter how sinful or how ignorant, who humbly comes to Jesus, can receive this gift of the Spirit.

*LIFE APPLICATION: THEY CAN’T SEE OR UNDERSTAND

Jesus later pointed out that the Holy Spirit works in the world (16:8) convicting people of sin. People may become aware of their sin but they will not recognize how they came to this awareness. Several factors prevent people’s understanding the Holy Spirit until after they have believed in Christ:

• The Holy Spirit speaks a heavenly message (the words of Christ). His message of service, sacrifice, and faith is unintelligible to those who have not yet known Christ.
• The Holy Spirit reverses one’s way of thinking. People naturally place themselves at the center of everything. The Holy Spirit places Christ and his purposes at the center.
• The Holy Spirit begins with a different starting point. People tend to refer to their own needs and desires first. The Holy Spirit makes the love for Christ and obedience to God the starting point.

14:18-19 This statement showed Jesus’ fatherly care for his own, those whom he loved (see 13:1); it also affirmed Jesus’ presence with the disciples through the Spirit of truth, for he said, “I will come to you.” After Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to the disciples in his glorious resurrection body and spoke to them prior to returning to the Father (20:19–21:25). At that time, he breathed into his disciples the Holy Spirit (20:22). This assured the disciples that Jesus would come to them when the Spirit was given to them. This coming would be in just a little while, during which time Jesus would experience crucifixion, burial, and resurrection (see 16:16-23). The disciples and many of Jesus’ followers saw him in his resurrection appearances (see 20:20, 26; 21:1, 14). Through the Resurrection, the living Jesus became the disciples’ life because they became united to him like branches in a vine. This is the intent behind the words: “For I will live again, and you will, too.” As the Son’s life is dependent upon the Father’s life (5:26; 6:57), so the believer’s life is dependent on the Son’s life. The reality of the Resurrection becomes the basis for our hope of eternal life.

*LIFE APPLICATION: YOU WILL LIVE

Jesus spoke with profound confidence even though he faced his own physical death. He affirmed his resurrection as a fact to undergird our way of living and dying. Christ’s teaching contradicts the way our culture denies and avoids the reality of death.

We may freely participate in this life while at the same time we must be ready to let go of it in favor of a life that will not end. We miss the joy of Christ’s teaching if we hold desperately to this life. Is there someone who needs to hear us say: “Because Jesus lives, I will live also”? It could be the start of a great conversation, with eternal consequences.

14:20 After Jesus was raised to life again, the disciples would realize by their own experience that Jesus lived in his Father, they lived in Jesus, and Jesus lived in them. In other words, they would begin to know what it meant to live in God and have God live in them.

14:21 We who love Jesus demonstrate our love by keeping Jesus’ commands. Love means more than words; it requires commitment and action. If we love Christ, then we must prove it by obeying what he says in his word. In return, the Father and Jesus himself love us. Furthermore, Jesus reveals himself to those who love him. Since the Greek word translated reveal means “to appear,” it is likely that Jesus was speaking of his appearances to the disciples after his resurrection. But the statement extends beyond that special time to include believers of all time. To all those who love and obey him, he reveals himself as an invisible, spiritual presence (see 20:29; 2 Corinthians 4:6).

*LIFE APPLICATION: IF ONLY

 “If only God would show me what to do! I wish God would reveal himself!” In personal experience, most Christians admit to wishing God would reveal himself more openly. We want God to show us exactly what he wants us to do. We may think

we are asking God for clear directions so we can carry them out, but our practice shows that we want to know first what God wants us to do so we can decide if we want to obey.

Jesus listed obedience before revelation. He said, in effect, “Obey what you know and you will know more.” The Scriptures contain many clear instructions for obedience that are never out of season. If we truly love God, we not only hang on his every word, but we also take our duties seriously. When we feel confused or lack answers, we should ask how we can follow through on directions he has previously given.

14:22 John clarified for us that this is not Judas Iscariot, but Judas the son of James (see Luke 6:16). This disciple asked Jesus how he would reveal himself only to the disciples and not to the world. The disciples may still have been expecting Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom and overthrow Rome; they found it hard to understand why he did not tell the world at large that he was the Messiah. Or at least they felt that if he was going to rise from the dead, everyone should see it and know about it, for surely then they would believe. But Jesus explained that such a revelation to the world was not in the plans—at least not then. Not everyone would understand Jesus’ message, and a hardened and unbelieving world would not believe even someone who had come back from the dead (Luke 16:31). Ever since Pentecost, the gospel of the Kingdom has been proclaimed in the whole world, and yet not everyone is receptive to it. Jesus reveals himself most deeply to those who love and obey him.

14:23 In effect, Jesus’ response reassured Judas and the disciples that neither he nor the Father would be abandoning them. At first, it must have seemed to the disciples that they had no advantage over everyone else—Jesus would die and leave them. In answering Peter’s question in the previous chapter, Jesus had explained that, as opposed to the Jewish leaders who had been told they could not go where Jesus was going, the disciples eventually would be able to be with Jesus, but it would be later (see 7:32-34; 13:36). Here Jesus offered the best comfort of all—there wouldn’t really be any separation from him for these disciples. Because Jesus would return to the Father, the Holy Spirit would be made available, allowing every believer constant access to the Father and the Son. To those who love Jesus, the Son and the Father would come to them and live with them.

*LIFE APPLICATION: LOVE AND OBEY

Some people have taught that keeping Jesus’ words is too stringent or unrealistic. “We are under grace,” they say, “not under law, so why should we even worry about keeping commandments?” The key question isn’t really about what words to keep or how to keep them, but whether we still love Jesus. Do we relate to him mainly as a traditional religious figure, an object of curious historical study, a source of interesting biblical discussion, or an optional model among many equally qualified persons? Or do we know him as Lord and Savior of our lives? The following questions should clarify our thinking:

• Are we grateful he found us even though we were not truly seeking him?
• Are we glad he rescued us from sin?
• Are we thrilled he chose us to be his followers?
• Are we excited about his presence in us and his words of guidance?
• Are we considering daily how to be more aware of his directions for us?
• Are we making his will the central pursuit in our vocation, education, and family life?

14:24 Obedience comes from love and trust. So a person who doesn’t love Jesus will not obey him. A sobering way of stating Jesus’ point is to say, “The quality of our obedience is a direct reflection of our love for Jesus.” Jesus repeated that all he said was from God himself (see also 12:49; 14:10).

14:25 Jesus gave his last words to his disciples. The coming days would bring horrifying, then glorious, events, but Jesus would not be able to talk to his disciples during those events. Before the disciples could understand any more, Jesus’ death and resurrection would have to take place. Then, the disciples’ understanding would be heightened by the coming of the Holy Spirit.

14:26 The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, would be sent as Jesus’ representative The Spirit would continue Jesus’ ministry of teaching. The Spirit would also remind the disciples of what Jesus had told them. The apostles remembered and wrote with the help of the Spirit. John’s Gospel, even the entire New Testament, would not exist if not for this reminding work of the Holy Spirit.

In the case of the disciples, the reminding role of the Holy Spirit uniquely guided the recording of the New Testament. However, the process is still in place. The disciples first heard Jesus speak; we discover Jesus’ words in Scripture. Reading, studying, memorizing, meditating, and obeying place Christ’s words firmly inside us, and the Holy Spirit reminds us of their further application as we move through life.

*LIFE APPLICATION: PLANTED TRUTH

Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and teachings; the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives. We can be confident that the Gospels accurately record what Jesus taught and did (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-14). The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. As we study the Bible, we can trust the Holy Spirit to plant truth in our minds, convince us of God’s will, and remind us when we stray from it.

14:27 This verse echoes the first verse of the chapter. Jesus’ peace would not guarantee the absence of trouble—for Jesus himself faced excruciating spiritual, physical, and emotional struggles in the coming hours. Instead, Jesus’ peace supplies strength and comfort for the burdens we are called to carry. Jesus gave the disciples peace that would help them through their own time of trial ahead. After three days, the risen Jesus would come to them and again bestow his peace upon them (20:19).

The peace Jesus offers his disciples isn’t like the peace the world gives. It is his peace, the peace he modeled every day of his life. Jesus’ peace did not flee conflict, pain, or death. In fact, the more intense the difficulties, the more apparent Jesus’ peace became. Jesus derived his peace from his relationship with the Father.

Sin, fear, uncertainty, and doubt work to make us troubled and afraid. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offers comfort in place of conflict. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him. The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives brings deep and lasting peace. We have confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future.

14:28 Jesus repeated what he had said in 14:3. Although Jesus was sad to leave his disciples, he was glad to return to his Father. If the disciples truly loved Jesus, they would understand this and be very happy for him—instead of feeling sorry for themselves. In saying that the Father is greater than he, Jesus was asserting his role as the Father’s servant, for the Son was the one sent to do the Father’s will. This does not deny his equality with God (see 10:30); rather, it affirms Jesus’ humble attitude about his relationship with the Father.

14:29 Jesus told the disciples about his imminent departure and return so that they would recognize these events, realize that he knew about them, and believe that Jesus upholds his claims. Jesus gave them the tools and resources to understand later events even though at the time he gave them, they did not appreciate their value.

*LIFE APPLICATION: ANTICIPATION

Jesus modeled an important leadership characteristic in preparing his disciples for future events. As leaders we should do all we can to speak truthfully about our own experiences so that others will be warned of the conflicts, struggles, and feelings they will face during various stages of life. Not warning them may lead to disillusionment. Our children ought to benefit from firsthand reflections on what it means to be a spouse, parent, coworker, roommate, employer, retired person, etc. They will not understand all we say, but they may remember some important lessons along the way. Our children, and those we teach, may not learn from our mistakes, but withholding the lesson will make it certain that they won’t learn.

Too often, leaders make destructive assumptions, relying on what they think people already know instead of making sure that the people know. When we do not equip people we love, we set them up for failure. For instance, the refusal to talk about sexual abuse has allowed the problem to take on epidemic proportions. Not talking about it did not make it go away.

Talking about problems openly doesn’t eliminate them, but it does provide people with preparation for the time of temptation or trial. Move beyond your comfort zone to equip others for survival.

14:30-31 The hour was at hand; Jesus was about to leave his disciples and go to the cross. In so doing he would face the prince of this world (12:31) who has the power of death (Hebrews 2:14). Although Satan was unable to overpower Jesus (Matthew 4), he still had the arrogance to try. Satan’s power exists only because God allows him to act. But because Jesus is sinless, Satan has no power over him. Satan would not be able to exert this power over Jesus because Jesus would conquer death. Jesus faced death as one who did so out of love for his Father, for his Father had sent him to die for the sins of the world. Ironically, when Jesus died, Satan thought he had won the battle. He did not realize that Jesus’ death had been part of the plan all along. In dying, Jesus defeated Satan’s power over death, for Jesus would rise again (16:11; Colossians 2:15).

The words, “Come, let’s be going,” suggest that chapters 15–17 may have been spoken en route to the Garden of Gethsemane. Another view holds that Jesus was asking the disciples to get ready to leave the upper room, but they did not actually do so until 18:1. However, it is also likely that these words are spoken, not as a separate sentence, but as an ending to the discourse above. He has just said that the prince of this world is coming, and perhaps by this sentence he is saying, “Let us rise and be ready to meet him.” This conveys more of a spiritual movement and preparation than a physical one.

*LIFE APPLICATION: CATCHING IT

The lesson may be taught, but the learning hasn’t happened until the lesson has been caught. Jesus had taught, in a variety of ways, his identity with the Father as God. He had spoken about and demonstrated his obedience repeatedly. But the world needed an undeniable, irrefutable lesson about obedience to God. Jesus provided this by submitting to the worst kind of death. To the very end, Jesus still trusted the Father and continued to obey. On the cross, when he realized that the Father had forsaken him, he still entrusted himself to his Father.

The feeling that Satan has a hold on us, even when we follow Jesus, may seem overpowering. Hope may vanish. Our family may be disintegrating, children rebelling, income gone, and future grim. We may find ourselves saying, with Jesus, “Why have you forsaken me?” In such a time, we can renew our trust in God or rebel bitterly. Jesus showed that Satan’s hold may seem apparent even in death, but God’s power can break his hold anytime.

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Sources:

— Life Application Bible Commentary

— Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary

BETRAYAL –  John must have also had his future readers in mind when he wrote “though not everyone is clean.” If among the original disciples there was one not true, future groups of disciples would also discover among themselves those who were false followers. This happened later in the first century and has continued through the years. Many have betrayed Christ and his people.

Today’s readers of John should heed this implicit warning: Are we clean? Will our commitment stand firm and our faith sure no matter what’s happening around us? Will we be prepared to endure even when those who have seemed strong in the faith fail?

This and other helpful *Life Applications are in today’s reading.

 Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet / 13:1-20

The first twelve chapters cover three years; the next six chapters cover one night.

13:1-2 Because Jesus was fully aware that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father, he devoted his last hours to instructing and encouraging his disciples. Jesus continued his devotion to his disciples until the very end of his life, showing them in this last night the full extent of his love. Before he left them, he wanted to express his love to them, one by one—and this he would do in a way that would surprise them.

The supper was probably the official Passover meal, indicated by verse 1. And this was a special Passover, for it was the last meal Jesus would eat with his disciples. During this meal he would institute the “Lord’s Supper” (see Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-39). The context indicates that the food was being placed before them, but the meal itself had not been eaten (see 13:26, 30).

Jesus had already called Judas “a devil” in 6:70 because Jesus knew that Judas would cooperate with the Devil in perpetrating Jesus’ death. Thus, the Devil and Judas corroborated in Jesus’ betrayal. Indeed, Satan entered Judas to carry out the actual betrayal (see 13:27).

*LIFE APPLICATION: JESUS SHOWS HIS LOVE

Jesus knew that one of his disciples had already decided to betray him. Another would deny him by the next morning. Even this night, they would all desert him. In the next hours they would repeatedly display ignorance, laziness, and lack of trust. It was indeed a sorry lot that gathered in the upper room. Even with good reasons to reject the entire group, Jesus deliberately showed to them the full extent of his love. The actions, words, and feelings that he shared with his disciples conveyed the highest form of love because his disciples did not deserve nor immediately appreciate this love.

Jesus knows us as fully as he knew those disciples. He knows intimately of every time and every way that we have denied or deserted him. Yet knowing us, he willingly died for us. Jesus continually displays his love toward us and reaches out to us. He continues to serve us in the Lord’s Supper, and he guides and encourages us by his Spirit. He serves us as we serve one another. Are we prepared to love one another with the same kind of love Jesus demonstrated for us?

13:3-5 Jesus, the Son of God, knew his origin and his destiny. He knew that he would soon be returning to his Father. Being assured of his own destiny, he focused his attention on the disciples and showed them what it meant for him to become their Servant and for them to serve one another. At the time so near to the revelation of Jesus’ true identity and glory, he set aside what was rightfully his and expressed his character through an act of humility. He got up, took off his robe, and wrapped a towel around his waist like an apron. He then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet.

Jesus was the model servant, and he showed his servant attitude to his disciples. Foot washing was a common act in Bible times. People traveled mostly on foot in sandals across the dusty roads of Judea. When entering a home, it was customary to wash one’s feet. To not offer to wash a guest’s feet was considered a breach of hospitality (see Luke 7:44). Washing guests’ feet was a job for a household servant to carry out when guests arrived (1 Samuel 25:41). It was a subservient task. What was unusual about this act was that Jesus, the Master and Teacher, was doing it for his disciples, as the lowliest slave would do.

*LIFE APPLICATION: CURE FOR CONTENTION AND PRIDE

The other Gospel writers record a discussion the disciples had on the way to this meal when they argued about who would have the greatest position in the new kingdom. Jesus’ humble service contrasted sharply with their search for high places of prestige in the kingdom. Unselfish service to each other and to those not part of the inner circle was to be one of the distinctive marks of Jesus’ true disciples (see 13:34-35). When we feel the temptation to pride or to competitive comparisons with other believers, the antidote will be a healthy dose of service. One great starting place would be to pray for those we serve who most irritate us!

 13:6-9 All the disciples accepted the washing until Jesus came to Peter, who questioned Jesus: “Lord, why are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus did not provide Peter with an explanation, other than that Peter would understand the significance of the washing some time in the future. Later in the New Testament, Peter explains his understanding of what Jesus had done (1 Peter 5:5-6). Peter came to realize that humble service meant obedience to Christ. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, he was demonstrating his ultimate sacrificial act—giving his life for them on the cross.

*LIFE APPLICATION: IT’S YOUR SERVE

Some people serve naturally. For Jesus’ friend Martha, serving others came easily and graciously. For many, hospitality is their gift.

For others, serving is an ordeal. If they do not feel inept at their efforts, the work exhausts them. Or they become angry when their service goes unappreciated. For these, hospitality becomes an uncomfortable chore.

Some find it difficult to accept service from others. (Servers may be part of this group.) Being helped makes them feel inadequate or vulnerable. They are unable to be gracious when they are not in control.

We need to remember that the true point of serving is to obey and imitate Jesus Christ. Likewise, accepting service from others is accepting Christ’s service. Christ elevated serving others as the highest pursuit to which we can dedicate our lives.

But at this moment, Peter didn’t understand: “You will never wash my feet!” he protested. Seeing the Master behave like a slave confused Peter. And Peter did not feel worthy that his Master should be acting like a slave toward him! This was not an expression of arrogance but of confusion. Peter felt he should be washing the Master’s feet—not the other way around.

Jesus responded: “But if I don’t wash you, you won’t belong to me.” There are two possible meanings for this sentence: (1) Jesus meant that unless he washed away Peter’s sins by his death on the cross, then Peter could have no relationship with him. (2) Jesus meant that unless Peter submitted to him and allowed Jesus to minister in this way, Peter would never learn the lesson of humility. Either way, Peter seemed to grasp the significance of Jesus’ words, for he then wanted to be bathed completely.

13:10-11 After one has bathed, another bath is not necessary at the end of the day. The person is still clean—except for the feet, which are constantly soiled by the dust of the ground. A clean and bathed person just needs to have his or her feet rinsed. According to the customs of those times, once a person had bathed, he or she needed only to wash his or her feet upon entering a person’s home.

To be bathed by Jesus meant to be washed by his living word. To receive Jesus, nothing is required of the believer except humble acceptance of what Jesus has done. Peter had to sit and humbly allow Jesus to wash his dirty feet in order to understand that to accept the salvation Jesus offers means to humbly accept his death on the cross for all sins.

When Jesus said, “You are clean, but that isn’t true of everyone,” he was referring to Judas Iscariot (see 13:18) and suggesting that Judas was not a true believer. Though Jesus had washed Judas’s feet, Judas was not clean, for he had not come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus already knew that this man would be used by Satan to bring about the events that unfold in the final chapters of this Gospel.

*LIFE APPLICATION: BETRAYAL

John made it clear that Judas was the specific reason Jesus said, “though not all of you.” But John must have also had his future readers in mind. If among the original disciples there was one not true, future groups of disciples would also discover among themselves those who were false followers. This happened later in the first century and has continued through the years. Many have betrayed Christ and his people.

Today’s readers of John should heed this implicit warning: Are we clean? Will our commitment stand firm and our faith sure? Will we be prepared to endure even when those who have seemed strong in the faith fail?

13:12-16 Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet demonstrated love in action. Jesus was their Teacher and Lord, meaning he was on a higher level than they; yet he assumed a position of humility and service because he loved those he served. Jesus commanded his disciples to wash each other’s feet—to serve one another in love according to the example he set. To refuse to serve others, to refuse to humble yourself, no matter how high your position, is to place yourself above Jesus. Such arrogant pride is not what Jesus taught.

*LIFE APPLICATION: FOOT WASHING TODAY

Some churches and groups still practice foot washing today. In shoe-clad cultures it has little more than symbolic use. But as such, it can still teach a valuable lesson. In Jesus’ day, feet were washed for two practical reasons: to remove dirt and to be hospitable. Jesus did not perform a special or unusual act; his taking on a servant’s duties stunned the disciples.

Instituting foot washing today would be missing Jesus’ primary lesson. He was not inventing a clever way to serve others; he was serving others in a very common way. Today we ought to think of foot washing as an example of servant leadership. Other ways we can show a “foot washing” attitude include:

• Taking on a menial task or accepting a lesser role.
• Not insisting on our “rights” or “privileges.”
• Meeting others’ needs before meeting our own.
• Looking for a job no one else will do and cheerfully doing it.
• Focusing on the results being achieved, not who is getting credit.

These disciples would soon be sent out as the messengers for the Christian church. They would be leaders in many places—indeed, James, John, and Peter became the leaders of the Christian church in Jerusalem. Jesus taught these soon-to-be leaders that as they labored to spread the gospel, they first and foremost had to be servants to those whom they taught. The disciples must have remembered this lesson often as they labored with the problems, struggles, and joys of the early believers. How many times they must have remembered that they were called to serve. And what a difference it made! Imagine how difficult the growth (even existence) of the early church would have been if these disciples had continued vying for spots of greatness and importance! Fortunately for us, they took Jesus’ lesson to heart.

13:17 We are blessed (happy, joyful, fulfilled), not because of what we know, but because of what we do with what we know. God’s grace to us finds its completion in the service we, as recipients of his grace, perform for others. We will find our greatest blessing in obeying Christ by serving others.

*LIFE APPLICATION: SPIRITUAL PROCRASTINATION?

When Jesus talked about “knowing” and “doing,” he meant a needed service that we have identified but not rendered. Most of us are surrounded with opportunities for service that we have simply left undone. By doing nothing, we forfeit Christ’s blessing.

• Do you know someone who needs a visit or a word of encouragement?
• Do you have a possession you no longer use that would help someone else?
• Is there a menial task (like cleaning) that regularly goes unfilled?
• Are there trying duties that beg to be done—nursery, teaching classes, being youth sponsors, etc.?
• Do you know a friend or work associate with whom you have never spoken about your faith?

Jesus promised personal spiritual benefits as you act on these opportunities.

13:18-19 Jesus’ previous statements about serving and loving one another did not apply to all of his disciples because, in fact, one of his disciples (Judas) was about to betray him. However, this betrayal was not an unexpected event, for Jesus had known from the beginning that one of the men he chose would betray him (6:70-71). Jesus’ betrayal was necessary to fulfill Scripture—specifically, Psalm 41:9. Jesus drew from Psalm 41 because it describes how one of David’s friends turned against him. This may have referred to the story of David’s trusted companion, Ahithophel, who betrayed David and then went and hanged himself (see 2 Samuel 16:20–17:3, 23). Judas, who had been with Jesus and was a trusted companion (Judas was keeper of the money), would betray Jesus and then hang himself.

Jesus had known all along that Judas would betray him (see 6:64, 70-71; Matthew 17:22-23; 20:17-19), but he predicted the betrayal in the presence of his disciples so that they would realize, when the betrayal actually occurred, that it had been prophesied in Scripture (see Acts 1:16). This would strengthen their faith.

13:20 This verse follows the thought of verse 16, where Jesus spoke of being a servant to the one who sent him. He would send forth his disciples so that whoever would welcome them would welcome Jesus and, in turn, welcome the one who sent Jesus—God the Father.

 Jesus and the Disciples Share the Last Supper / 13:21-30

At this point in the dinner, the mood shifted, partly as a reflection of the ominous tone Jesus used in verse 18. Apparently the food was on the table, and they may have already been eating. Moments later, in answer to John’s direct question, Jesus indicated his knowledge of Judas’s betrayal by handing him the bread that he had dipped in the bowl. The rest of the disciples could not understand the meaning of Judas’s abrupt departure.

13:21-26 Jesus was in great anguish of spirit over the coming betrayal, even though he knew that the betrayal had been foreordained. His inner turmoil was expressed when he said, “The truth is, one of you will betray me!” Jesus’ pronouncement caused great consternation among the disciples. It was not obvious who the betrayer was. Judas, as keeper of the money, may have been the one they would least suspect.

Peter motioned to the one who was sitting beside Jesus to ask who the betrayer was. So that disciple, the one Jesus loved (identified as John, the author), asked Jesus, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus identified the betrayer as “the one to whom I give the bread dipped in the sauce.” Jesus dipped the piece of bread into a dish filled with a sauce probably made of dates, raisins, and sour wine. Having said this, Jesus dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas. Ironically, a host offering a piece of bread to a guest was a sign of friendship. Jesus’ act of friendship was his identification of the betrayer. Later, in the Garden, Judas would identify Jesus to the guards with another sign of friendship—a kiss (Luke 22:47-48).

*LIFE APPLICATION: WRONG MESSIAH!

Judas had a fatal misconception of who the Messiah would be. Many Jews expected a military or political deliverer who would expel the oppressors and bring peace to Israel. Few were open to having their picture of the Savior clarified.

How well does your view of Jesus match the man who takes shape in the Gospels? From what sources have you developed your view of Christ? Does your picture limit him? To what degree does your view of Jesus put him under your control?

13:27-30 After Judas ate the bread, Satan entered into him. Thus the betrayal was set in motion. Satan would use Judas as his tool to accomplish his evil plan. But Satan’s part in the betrayal of Jesus does not remove any of the responsibility from Judas. Judas may have been disillusioned because Jesus was talking about dying rather than setting up his Kingdom. Or perhaps Judas didn’t understand Jesus’ mission and no longer believed that Jesus was God’s chosen one. Whatever Judas thought, Satan assumed that Jesus’ death would end his mission and thwart God’s plan. Like Judas, Satan did not know that Jesus’ death was the most important part of God’s plan all along.

Jesus said to Judas, “Hurry. Do it now.” No one else at the table understood, but Judas did. Jesus identified Judas so tactfully that all the disciples missed the significance of the act: they did not connect Jesus’ earlier statement (“One of you will betray me”) with his present exchange with Judas. Despite the disciples’ misunderstanding, the stage was quickly being set: Judas left at once, going out into the night. The last statement recounts the actual time yet also symbolizes the spiritual condition of Judas. He was in darkness, under the control of the prince of darkness, Satan.

*LIFE APPLICATION: HYPOCRISY

Judas took the bread in what looked like a gesture of fellowship and love between himself and Jesus. Apparently, none of the other disciples knew of his thoughts of betrayal. Judas had completely concealed his hypocrisy from his peers. Yet Christ knew his heart.

If we try to conceal our hypocrisy (professing to live for Christ but not having real commitment), we may succeed in fooling our friends and family. But Christ knows each person’s real thoughts and desires. People may be convinced by our exterior sham, but God searches our hearts (see 1 Samuel 16:7). Judas’s life teaches us that hypocrisy can lead to satanic control. Judas’s betrayal should strengthen our resolve to follow Christ no matter what temptations or opposition we encounter.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial / 13:31-38

After Judas’s departure, Jesus spoke of his own glorification and referred to the brief time they would still have together. With a sense of urgency, he commanded them to love each other. He indicated that this single characteristic would set them apart from the world as his disciples. Peter wanted to know where Jesus was planning to go that they could not go with him. Jesus simply restated that his destination would not be theirs until later.

Ironically, Peter came close to the truth when he suggested that he would not even allow death to keep him from following Jesus. With profound compassion, which Peter could not possibly fathom until later, Jesus pointed out that Peter was not ready to lay down his life. That disqualified Peter from going with Jesus at this time. Peter would, in fact, shortly deny that he even knew Jesus.

13:31-32 When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “The time has come for me, the Son of Man, to enter into my glory.” As Judas was on his way to betray Jesus into the hands of those who would crucify him, Jesus looked past the cross to his glorification at the resurrection. Jesus had allowed Judas to leave and carry out his murderous plans. By this act, Jesus committed himself to following through on what he had come to do. Thus he could say, “God will bring me into my glory very soon.” Jesus framed his words based on his knowledge that his glorification through death and resurrection already had been accomplished. He anticipated how his resurrection would bring about his spiritual union with the disciples. This is the key to interpreting the following discourse (13:31–17:26). Now that Judas had left to complete his treachery, nothing would stop the events leading to the final hour. God’s magnificent moral splendor is displayed by Jesus’ act of obedience, so God will receive glory in Jesus. At the same moment, Jesus is glorified as he resumes the glory he had with the Father before the foundation of the world.

*LIFE APPLICATION: WHAT DO THEY SEE?

Jesus said that our Christlike love will show that we are his disciples. Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your church? Or do they know you are Jesus’ followers by your love for one another? Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping when it’s not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others’ welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back. This kind of loving is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source. The Bible has another beautiful description of love in 1 Corinthians 13.

13:33-35 Jesus told his dear children that the time of his departure was nearing. Jesus would be going to the Father (14:6, 28) to rejoin him in the glorious fellowship that the Father and Son enjoyed from all eternity (see 17:5, 24). The disciples would not be able to participate in that fellowship just yet.

Jesus would be gone, and they would not be able to come to him for a while. In the meantime, they were to follow this commandment: Love each other. A command to love one another is not a new commandment; it had been mandated in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:12-17; Leviticus 19:18, 33-34; Deuteronomy 5:16-21; 22:1-4; see also Matthew 5:38-48; 7:12; 23:36-39; Luke 10:25-37). The newness of Jesus’ command pertains to the new kind of love that Christians have for one another because they have each experienced the love of Christ.

Jesus commanded his followers to love one another “just as I have loved you.” This was revolutionary, for believers are called to love others based on Jesus’ sacrificial love for them. Jesus was a living example of God’s love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus’ love. This love would be the mark of distinction: “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” One of the major themes in John’s first letter is brotherly love (see 1 John 3–4).

13:36 Simon Peter, ever the one to voice his thoughts and questions, asked, “Lord, where are you going?” Again, Jesus answered that where he was going they could not go until later. Peter would later follow Jesus in the way of death (see 21:15-19) and would also follow Jesus into glory.

13:37 Peter loved Jesus intensely, and he wanted to be with Jesus always. He did not understand any need for Jesus to die; in fact, he planned to protect Jesus with his life if necessary. As with the foot-washing incident, Peter would much rather die for Jesus than think that Jesus would die for him. Peter’s brave and proud response resounds across the centuries like many who proudly refuse to accept Jesus’ act on their behalf, preferring instead to do something in order to obtain salvation. However, obeying Jesus means more than the intention or the promise to obey. No one can do anything to obtain salvation.

13:38 When the time of trial came, three times Peter would say that he didn’t even know Jesus (see also Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62). The disciples may have started to wonder if Peter (instead of Judas) was the betrayer.

*LIFE APPLICATION: HE NEVER STOPS LOVING

Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen to both Judas and Peter, but he did not change the situation, nor did he stop loving them. In the same way, Jesus knows exactly what you will do to hurt him. Yet he still loves you unconditionally and will forgive you whenever you ask. Judas couldn’t understand this, and his life ended tragically. Peter understood, and despite his shortcomings, his life ended triumphantly because he never let go of his faith in the one who loved him.

www.RidgeFellowship.com

Sources:

— Life Application Bible Commentary

— Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary

 

FOLLOW THE LIGHT

Even a small light can guide a person down a dark path or through a darkened room. There only needs to be enough light to see the way. Although we may not see everything clearly in life, we must act on the light we have. We can’t wait until everything is clear.

Hear the urgency in Jesus’ words, “Walk while you have the light, before the darkness overtakes you.” Conditions may not be perfect, problems may be unsolved, and questions may be unanswered, but if Christ calls you, follow his light.

Read on for more *Life Applications like this one from John Chapter 12.

 A Woman Anoints Jesus with Perfume / 12:1-11

The chapter opens with a portrayal of Mary anointing Jesus, accompanied by a wide range of reactions. This anointing concurs with the one described in Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9; but it is different from the one depicted in Luke 7:36-50, which occurred much earlier in Jesus’ ministry. The tender attention given to Jesus by his three friends in Bethany contrasts with the treachery Judas planned to commit by the week’s end.

12:1-2 Another Passover was coming, and Jesus arrived in Bethany six days beforehand. John last placed him in Ephraim, where he had gone to be alone with his disciples (11:54). From there, they returned to Galilee for a while. This was Jesus’ final visit with his friends at Bethany because he was on his way to Jerusalem where, as he had already told his disciples he would die. Only a few weeks had gone by since Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. He was back in the home of Lazarus. According to parallel accounts of this story (see Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9), this meal was held at the home of Simon the leper, who also lived in Bethany and was very likely healed of his leprosy by Jesus. A dinner had been prepared in Jesus’ honor.

12:3 This perfume was made from an aromatic herb (nard) from the mountains of India, and it was imported in alabaster bottles. This expensive imported item carried such value that people used it for investment purposes, as gold is often used today. When supper was finished, Mary took this pure, expensive perfume and anointed Jesus’ feet. Nard was used to anoint kings; Mary may have been anointing Jesus as her kingly Messiah. Many centuries later we are still humbled by the extravagance and the appropriateness of Mary’s gift. She poured out the very best she could find. Price is not the central issue, but the sincere expression of faith and love.

*LIFE APPLICATION: THE GREAT GIFT

Many centuries later we are still humbled by the extravagance and the appropriateness of Mary’s gift. She poured out the very best she could find. The price is important, but so is the sincere expression of faith and love. What we give to the Lord can be costly. Often others might think the effort or money is wasted, for it seems to make no large or permanent change in the world. But what others may call insignificant or wasteful, God deems to be like the fragrant aroma that filled the house when Mary poured the nard on Jesus’ feet.

12:4-6 According to Matthew and Mark, all the disciples were offended that Mary had “wasted” this expensive ointment (Matthew 26:8; Mark 14:4). But in John’s Gospel, Judas Iscariot verbalized the offense. “The perfume was worth a small fortune. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Judas’s motive was not to care for the poor. Judas was a thief who had been entrusted with the disciples’ funds (see 13:29). Judas often dipped into the money for his own use. Undoubtedly, Jesus knew what Judas was doing (2:24-25; 6:64), but he never did or said anything about it.

*LIFE APPLICATION: SMOKE SCREEN

In spite of his sharp rebuke, there is no evidence that Judas ever gave to the poor. His objection was actually a smoke screen to cover his own selfishness and greed.

It is common in church life to discover that those most apt to criticize are those who are doing nothing themselves. Those who never go to church criticize the church; those who don’t read the Bible are ready to criticize what they have heard are inconsistencies and difficulties; those unwilling to help are ready to criticize when plans fail. Beware of finding fault with others in areas where you are deficient.

*LIFE APPLICATION: ON GUARD

Judas was given the position of trustee of the money bag most likely because he had some capability or expressed some interest in doing so. Sometimes the abilities we have enable us to function so effortlessly that we let down our moral or spiritual guard as we carry out those duties. Has God allowed you to assume responsibilities that match your strengths? Whether we are preaching, teaching, or managing money, remember that strengths can become weaknesses if we settle for poor preparation, shortcuts, and acting as if we “own” what truly belongs to another. If Christ is truly Lord of all you do, you will be on guard against greed, self-service, and taking moral shortcuts.

12:7-8 Jesus pointed out that Mary was not wasting this perfume on him. Certainly, the money could have been given to the poor; there would always be opportunities to care for the poor. But they would not always have Jesus. Mary understood how special Jesus was. Her anointing was like an ointment put on his body in preparation for burial (Matthew 26:12; Mark 14:8). (Later Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea would actually wrap Jesus’ body with linen and spices, 19:39.)

This act and Jesus’ response to it do not give us permission to ignore the poor. Rather, Jesus explained that his followers would have many opportunities to help the poor, but only a short time to love and honor the Messiah. Mary’s loving act was for a specific occasion—an anointing that anticipated Jesus’ burial and a public declaration of her faith in him as the Messiah. Jesus’ words should have taught Judas a valuable lesson about the worth of money. Unfortunately, Judas did not learn it. In contrast to Mary’s sacrificial gift to Jesus, Judas sold his master’s life for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), the price one paid a slave owner if one’s ox killed one of his slaves (see Exodus 21:32).

*LIFE APPLICATION: UNDETERRED

Mary’s gift was criticized by others, but appreciated by the Lord. When you give your best to God, you can be sure he appreciates your gift. Do not allow misunderstanding or criticism to deter you. Mary did not bring the gift because she thought she would receive praise from the others; she brought it because she loved Jesus and wanted to show him.

12:9-11 Jews were arriving from all over the world for the Passover celebration. Many had heard of the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection. When they discovered that Jesus had returned to Bethany to be with Lazarus, they came to see both of them.

However, the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus. The chief priests’ blindness and hardness of heart caused them to sink ever deeper into sin. One sin led them to another. From the Jewish leaders’ point of view, they could accuse Jesus of blasphemy because he claimed equality with God. But Lazarus had done nothing of the kind. They wanted Lazarus dead simply because he was a living witness to Jesus’ power.

*LIFE APPLICATION: SECRET DESIRE

We all like to believe we are above petty jealousy and small retaliations. Unfortunately our behavior often proves the opposite. The chief priests, the guardians of God’s royal law, were so driven by jealousy, paranoia, and hate that they enlarged their plan to kill Jesus to include Lazarus.

Most likely you have never been involved in planning someone else’s murder; but, have you ever wished someone would disappear, or found yourself hoping they would make some kind of humiliating mistake that would ruin their career or reputation? Have you secretly desired to have their power or position and justified the wish by claiming “I could do a better job”? If our motivation is to do our best at serving God wherever we are, we won’t need to compare ourselves to others.

Jesus Rides into Jerusalem on a Young Donkey / 12:12-19

John’s description of the Triumphal Entry, mentioned in all four Gospels, is the most brief of the accounts. John’s objective seemed to be to sketch the events, relating them to Old Testament prophecies and explaining that those present did not fully understand all that was going on. He pointed out that these events intensified the animosity of the leaders toward Jesus. In the other Gospels, we are left with the impression that the crowd’s reaction to Jesus was largely spontaneous. John, however, helpfully explained that those who had witnessed the raising of Lazarus had been busily telling others. The news created great anticipation in Jerusalem of Jesus’ arrival.

12:12-13 The day after the feast in Bethany, Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Given the importance of the approaching Passover, the road into the holy city would have been clogged with pilgrims. Among them would have been many people from Galilee, familiar with Jesus from his years of ministry there.

Not only was Jesus part of the large crowd moving toward Jerusalem, others came out to meet him from the city itself. Expectations that something marvelous was soon to happen must have been at fever pitch! The crowd began to shout. As they shouted “Praise God,” they thought that their conquering King had finally come to liberate them from Roman rule. They believed that the one who comes in the name of the Lord was the King of Israel (see Psalm 118:25-26; Zephaniah 3:15; John 1:49). Therefore, the Jews thought they were hailing the arrival of their King! But these people who were praising God for giving them a king had the wrong idea about Jesus. They were sure he would be a national leader who would restore their nation to its former glory; thus they were deaf to the words of their prophets and blind to Jesus’ real mission. When it became apparent that Jesus was not going to fulfill their hopes, many people turned against him.

12:14-15 Indeed, their King came to them—but not the kind of king they had expected. He did not arrive as a political ruler might, on a mighty horse or in a chariot. Rather, Jesus came to them in the way prophesied by Zechariah: “Don’t be afraid, people of Israel. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.” The Old Testament prophet Zechariah had prophesied the arrival of a great king, possibly Alexander the Great, in Zechariah 9:1-8. Then contrasting that, he had prophesied the arrival to Jerusalem’s people of their King (see Zechariah 9:9). In this coming, Israel’s King would be a humble servant, not a conqueror. He would not be exalted to a throne, but lifted up on a cross.

12:16 The same kind of statement was made in 2:22. After Christ’s resurrection and subsequent glorification, the disciples remembered these events and understood what they signified. Prior to Jesus’ resurrection, his followers did not understand the significance of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit would open their eyes to the meaning of the Old Testament Scriptures, Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy, and remind them of this and other messianic predictions (14:26; see also Luke 24:25-35, 44-48).

*LIFE APPLICATION: RETROSPECTION

After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples understood for the first time many of the prophecies that they had missed along the way. Jesus’ words and actions took on new meaning and made more sense. In retrospect, the disciples saw how Jesus had led them into a deeper and better understanding of his truth. Stop and think about the events in your life that God has used to lead you to this point. As you grow older, you will look back and see God’s involvement more clearly than you do now.

12:17-19 The crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus back to life continued to spread the word. That was the main reason so many went out to meet him. This statement emphasizes the superficial enthusiasm that possessed most of the cheering throng. They flocked to Jesus because they had heard about his great miracle in raising Lazarus from the dead. Their adoration was short-lived and their commitment shallow, for in a few days they would do nothing to stop his crucifixion.

The Pharisees were exasperated by such exultation. They were hoping to find some sly way to get hold of Jesus and get rid of him while they knew his whereabouts, but it was impossible with the huge adoring crowds surrounding him. Their statement, “the whole world has gone after him!” is ironic—for most of those people did not really believe in Jesus.

*LIFE APPLICATION: DESPERATION

The religious leaders were becoming desperate men. Desperation leads to exaggeration. Jesus’ popularity seemed to be growing to insurmountable heights. The more they tried to stop Jesus, the more his influence increased.

Those who oppose Christ make a hopeless effort. People who have set out to discredit him have ended up bowing before him in worship. The Pharisees were right when they said “This is getting us nowhere.” They were only succeeding as far as their plan coincided with God’s plan. People can spend a lifetime resisting and rejecting Christ, only to discover that they have accomplished nothing but their own destruction.

Jesus Explains Why He Must Die / 12:20-36

As if to confirm the fears expressed in verse 19, this section begins with a group of Gentiles trying to approach Jesus. We are not told if their request for an audience with Christ was ever granted, but Jesus replied to their interest with some instruction on the necessity of his own death.

This passage also includes the third instance of God speaking audibly during the ministry of Jesus. The first was at the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22); the second at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36). God the Father broke the silence of heaven to encourage his Son in the final days of his mission on earth. Jesus himself emphasized again the brief time that remained during which the light would still be present.

12:20-22 Indeed, it seemed as if the “whole world” had gone after Jesus, as illustrated by these Greeks who came to the Passover and sought a meeting with him. These people were either visitors from Greece or Greek-speaking Jews. They may have been Jewish proselytes or simply God-fearing Gentiles. These Greeks probably selected Philip as their emissary to Jesus because, though Philip was a Jew, he had a Greek name. And Philip was from Bethsaida, a town in Galilee near the Greek territory on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee called Decapolis. The city of Bethsaida itself had a large Greek population, and Philip may have been able to speak Greek.

For a moment, Philip hesitated to approach Jesus with the Greeks’ request. So first, Philip told Andrew (with whom Philip is often associated—1:40-44; 6:7-8; Mark 3:18). Then, they went together to ask Jesus. The very inclusion of Greeks in the events of the final week has great significance. John continued his pattern of including Gentiles (the world) all along the way (1:12; 3:16). His readers, who may have been Gentiles struggling with their acceptability to God, would have gained encouragement from this incident and Jesus’ response. We Gentiles also ought to be grateful that Christ includes us in his offer of salvation.

12:23-24 Jesus’ words to Philip and Andrew and perhaps to the other disciples as well were not addressed to the crowd. The crowd (probably including the Greeks) is not mentioned again until verse 29. Jesus explained, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory” through death and resurrection. The “whole world” had gone after Jesus (12:19); even the Greeks wanted to see him (12:20ff). Yet it is exactly at this point, when by human standards Jesus was in a perfect position to consolidate his forces and overwhelm the opposition, that he faced the heart-troubling time that was upon him. Until this moment, the “time” had always been a future event. But here Jesus declared that it had arrived.

The picture of a kernel of wheat reveals the necessary sacrifice of Jesus. When a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, it actually dies before becoming a mature blade producing many new kernels. In the same way, Jesus, by his death, produced more fruit than could have been gained had he become the king of Israel on an earthly throne. Indeed, by being lifted up on the cross, Jesus would draw all people to himself. In his picture of the dying grain, Jesus spoke directly about his own life. He does not necessarily require us to literally give up our lives in sacrificial death as the only way to be fruitful. God does call some believers to die for him. But he calls many more to stay alive for fruitful service (see Romans 12:1-2).

*LIFE APPLICATION: COMPLETE COMMITMENT

What does Jesus mean when he tells us to “hate” our life in this world? Jesus wants us to be so committed to living for Christ that we “hate” our life by comparison. Loving our life means that we guard our life so jealously that we squander it on our own pleasures and purposes. In contrast, hating our life means consistently using our resources to follow Christ. It does not mean that we long to die or that we are careless or destructive with the life God has given, but that we are free from self-centeredness and are willing to die if doing so will glorify Christ. We must disown the tyrannical rule of our own self-centeredness. By laying aside our striving for advantage, security, and pleasure, we can serve God lovingly and freely. Releasing control of our life and transferring control to Christ brings eternal life and genuine joy.

12:25-27 True followers of Jesus must have their priorities in order; if they choose to love their life more than their Master, they will lose the very life they seek to maintain. True disciples must be willing to suffer and experience rejection, even unto death if need be. To serve and follow Jesus means making radical lifestyle changes. To follow Jesus means going the way he went—not the way of earthly power and honor—but the way of humility and death. Everything Jesus did was for God’s glory. When we choose to follow him, we must live for God’s glory alone. This does not mean we have no fun, no joy, no security. Rather, it simply means we live to honor God and then the Father will honor us.

The honor from God that Jesus promises may, in fact, be partly experienced in this life, but never entirely. And for many believers, what God has planned by way of honor we can only guess. Meanwhile we can derive real comfort and security from knowing that God observes and remembers each and every act of service we do in his name. None will be forgotten.

Unlike the synoptic Gospels, John does not record Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his crucifixion (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46). The record of Jesus being deeply troubled is the only indication in John that Jesus was troubled by that approaching hour. His agony proves the genuineness of his humanity. Jesus refused to ask the Father to save him from the cross (see Romans 8:32) because he knew he had been sent for the very purpose of dying on the cross. Jesus knew his crucifixion lay ahead, and because he was human, he dreaded it.

*LIFE APPLICATION: FOR THIS VERY HOUR

Jesus expressed his desire to be delivered from a horrible death, but he knew that God had sent him into the world to die for our sins in our place. In this Gospel, Jesus speaks of “this very hour” with reference to his crucifixion. This is equivalent to what Jesus said in the other Gospels: “not my will, but yours.” Jesus said no to his human desires in order to obey his Father and glorify him. Although we will never have to face such a difficult and awesome task, we are still called to obedience. Whatever the Father asks, we should do his will and bring glory to his name. Let us not fail to say, “your will be done” or “for this very purpose I have come to this hour.”

Are you ready for when God may call you “for this very hour” in the lives of others? Are you aware of a friend in trouble, tensions between yourself and other believers requiring resolution, or the daily challenges of a difficult job and fellow workers? Are you avoiding some specific problems that won’t go away? Remember it is human to avoid difficulty and pain, but it is Christlike to obey the Father and endure even those tasks which otherwise we would just as soon decline.

12:28-30 Jesus now turns his thoughts back to the Father and back to the purpose for which he had come to earth: to bring glory to him. Thus, the Father responded in a voice from heaven, “I have already brought it glory, and I will do it again.” God would glorify his name through the obedience of his Son (13:31-32) and then would glorify his name again when he would be reunited (17:5) with his Son after his resurrection.

The Father’s voice was audible but not correctly perceived by the multitude standing around. Some in the crowd said that it was thunder. Others thought it was an angel. Whatever their interpretation of the sound, it could not be denied that the phenomenon was supernatural. Jesus made it clear that he did not need this “voice” (he knew that the Father would glorify him); the voice had come for the benefit of the people. However, only a few (such as John who recorded this event) understood what was said and who said it. To the others it was merely thunderous noise.

*LIFE APPLICATION: IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Glorify is one of those biblical terms we often use without understanding its true meaning. The Greek root word is doxa, which refers to brightness, beauty, and even fame. One helpful way to think of the word is to substitute the word spotlight. Jesus was consciously giving God, the Father, permission to spotlight himself through what would happen to Christ, God’s Son. The Father responded by affirming that he had already spotlighted his name in Jesus and would continue to do so.

When faced with a difficult task or decision, we can turn our thoughts back to why we are on this earth—to glorify God. Our life can spotlight God’s beauty and spread his fame. We can pray that God will guide us and work through us to glorify his name.

12:31-33 Anticipating his glorification through death and resurrection, Jesus proclaimed: “The time of judgment for the world has come, when the prince of this world will be cast out.” From our perspective we see how Christ’s death brought judgment on those who had the upper hand in the world’s system: Judas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and the Jewish religious leaders. But the Son had ultimately come to destroy the works of Satan, who controlled the minds of people, producing unbelief. Therefore, the world would be judged in the sense that Satan, the ruler of the world (see 14:30; 16:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12; Revelation 12:9), would be cast out—his final and ultimate weapon, death, was about to be overcome (see 1 Corinthians 15:26; Hebrews 2:14).

As he did earlier, Jesus spoke about his death in terms of being lifted up (see 3:14; 8:28). John’s explanation makes it clear that this expression signified how he was going to die—the cross onto which Jesus would be nailed. Jesus knew that he would not die by stoning, something the Jews had already tried to do (8:59), but by crucifixion.

That Jesus will draw everyone to himself does not mean that everyone will ultimately be saved. Jesus has already made it clear that some will not be saved (5:28-29). Rather Jesus was saying that his offer of salvation extends to all people, not just to the Jews. Jesus’ incredible love, expressed in his death for all people, will draw and unify those who believe, so that sin, evil, and death (the weapons of the prince of this world) will be powerless.

12:34 The people had understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever (see Psalm 72:17; Isaiah 9:6-7; Ezekiel 37:26-28). They had believed that Jesus had been making a claim to be the Messiah, and here they were waving palm branches for a victorious Messiah who they thought would set up a political, earthly kingdom that would never end. So it was difficult for them to believe that Jesus was the Messiah when he spoke of his imminent death—and that on a cross. Therefore, they wanted clarification about what Jesus meant when he used the term  Son of Man. Was this Son of Man someone different than the Messiah?

*LIFE APPLICATION: LIGHTEN UP

Jesus said he would be with them in person for only a short time, and they should take advantage of his presence while they had it. Like a light shining in a dark place, he would point out the way they should walk. If they walked in his light, they would become “children of light,” revealing the truth and pointing people to God. As believers, we are to be Christ’s light bearers, letting his light shine through us. How brightly is your light shining? Can others see Christ in your actions?

12:35-36 Jesus did not attempt to clear up the people’s confusion about the Messiah. Rather, he admonished them to walk in the light while he was still with them (see also 1:5-9; 3:18-21; 8:12; 9:4-5). The ones enlightened by God would recognize their Messiah. The light of Jesus’ physical presence on earth was about to be extinguished, and the darkness of Satan’s evil influence and sin would overtake those who would refuse to accept Jesus’ light. To walk in Satan’s darkness is to stumble through life with no guidance, no help, no protection, no understanding, no ultimate goal or meaning. So Jesus urged the people to believe in him, who is the light, and become his children. The opportunity was available to all, but Jesus was about to depart this world.

*LIFE APPLICATION: WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

Do we really believe that people we see every day are walking in darkness? We know people who have no purpose, plan, or personal meaning in their lives. They sense no mission in their career, their family lacks unity, and their personal lives are uneasy and empty. They may not accept the directions we offer them in Christ. But what does it say about us if we know they are lost but never offer to help?

 *LIFE APPLICATION: FOLLOW THE LIGHT

Even a small light can guide a person down a dark path or through a darkened room. There only needs to be enough light to see the way. Although we may not see everything clearly in life, we must act on the light we have. We can’t wait until everything is clear.

Hear the urgency in Jesus’ words, “Walk while you have the light, before the darkness overtakes you.” Conditions may not be perfect, problems may be unsolved, and questions may be unanswered, but if Christ calls you, follow his light.

*LIFE APPLICATION: THE TRUE WAY OF ENLIGHTENMENT

In this section, Jesus mentioned three ways that we can use the light:

• Walk in the light—put into action those lessons and commands that God allows you to see.
• Put your trust in the light—confidently depend on Christ for your present and future.
• Become children of light—allow Christ to shine his light through you so that others might see the light.

Most of the People Do Not Believe in Jesus / 12:37-43

As he does persistently, John never allows his readers to avoid the decision about what to do with Jesus Christ. For those ready to respond, no obstacle will keep them from belief. For those whose hearts are hardened, even the most compelling reasons for faith become obstacles. John soberly reminds us that many of those who believe in Jesus still allow the pressures and fears of people to hinder their faith. Hidden faith may avoid a confrontation with others, but it seldom pleases God.

12:37-41 Jesus had performed enough miraculous signs to cause people to believe in him. The greatest of all signs—raising Lazarus from the dead—should have been enough to elicit faith from all those who saw it and even heard about it. Yet most of the people still did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah.

This unbelief had been predicted by Isaiah. In the opening of his chapter on the suffering Savior, Isaiah asked, “Who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal his saving power?” (Isaiah 53:1). It took revelation from God to know that Jesus was the one through whom God demonstrated his saving power. Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he made this prediction, because he was given a vision of the Messiah’s glory. But the Jews lacked this understanding. Why? Because it was prophesied. Isaiah wrote: “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts.” The entire quotation (taken from Isaiah 6:9-10) appears quite often in the New Testament because it provides a prophetic explanation for why the Jews did not perceive Jesus’ message nor receive him as their Messiah (see also Matthew 13:14; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10; Acts 28:26). And because they would not believe, they eventually could not believe. As a result, the Jews remained unenlightened and hardened.

*LIFE APPLICATION: HARDENED

People in Jesus’ time, like those in the time of Isaiah, would not believe despite the evidence (12:37). As a result, God hardened their hearts. Does that mean God intentionally prevented these people from believing in him? No, he simply confirmed their own choices. After a lifetime of resisting God, they had become so set in their ways that they wouldn’t even try to understand Jesus’ message. Other instances of hardened hearts because of constant stubbornness are recorded in Exodus 9:12; Romans 1:24-28; and 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.

*LIFE APPLICATION: DESPITE THE EVIDENCE

Jesus had performed many miracles, but most people still didn’t believe in him. Likewise, many today won’t believe despite all God does. Don’t be discouraged if your witness for Christ doesn’t turn as many to him as you’d like. Your job is to continue as a faithful witness. You are responsible to reach out to others, but they are responsible for their own decisions.

*LIFE APPLICATION:  PEER FEAR

Along with those who refused to believe, many believed but refused to admit it. This is just as bad, and Jesus had strong words for such people (see Matthew 10:32-33). Many people will not take a stand for Jesus because they fear rejection or ridicule. Many Jewish leaders wouldn’t admit to faith in Jesus because they feared excommunication from the synagogue (which was their livelihood) and loss of their prestigious place in the community. But the praise of people is fickle and short-lived. We should be much more concerned about God’s eternal acceptance than about the temporary approval of other people.

12:42-43 At these words, some of the Jewish leaders believed in Jesus, but they wouldn’t admit it, afraid the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. John made the point that their faith was weak, and he described the reason: They were still subject to the lure of human praise (see 5:44). But John primarily warned his readers that secret faith does not ultimately please God. Secrecy may be prudent at times (witness the presence of secret believers and churches in repressive societies like China and the former Romanian state), but that usually comes from a courageous strategy. All too often we remain silent at the very times we ought to be confessing our faith in Christ.

 Jesus Summarizes His Message / 12:44-50

–John closes this section in his Gospel about Jesus’ public ministry with a summary of Jesus’ entire testimony. The shared Passover meal will take up the next several chapters. But John leaves his readers with the cry of Jesus’ final public speech ringing in their ears. It is an ultimatum set before the crowds: Believe in Jesus, the Light of the World, or live in darkness under God’s judgment.

12:44-45 Jesus left the crowds temporarily (12:36-37), but in one final public appearance he appealed to his hearers to believe in him (see also 5:17-44; 6:27-65; 7:16-18; 8:14-58; 10:14-18) and thereby walk in his light. In this appeal, he affirmed his union with the Father: “If you trust me, you are really trusting God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.” Because the Son sent by the Father is the visible expression of the Father to all people (see 14:9-11), those who believe in the Son also believe in the Father. Jesus is God. If you want to know what God is like, study the person and words of Jesus Christ.

12:46 Those who believe in Jesus have left Satan’s dark kingdom and influence in the world, and they have entered the light of God’s Kingdom. Some people in the church act as though they still remain in the darkness. Jesus died so that we might be transformed. If our life is not changing, we may not have begun to really follow the light.

12:47-48 Jesus repeated the important truth that he came not to judge the world but to save it (see also 3:17; 8:15-16); but his rejected words would condemn all unbelievers in the judgment at the last day (see 3:31-36; 5:22-23, 26-30; 9:39).

The purpose of Jesus’ first mission on earth was not to judge people, but to show them the way to find salvation and eternal life. On the day of judgment, those who have accepted Jesus and lived his way will be raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Revelation 21:1-8), but all who reject Jesus and his message will be judged at the day of judgment by the truth Jesus had spoken (Revelation 20:11-15). Decide now your future fate, for the consequences of your decision will last forever.

12:49 Jesus’ mission was to faithfully convey the words of God to all who would truly listen. He knew that those who rejected those words would be rejecting life. God himself gave Jesus instructions as to what he should say. Jesus did not change that message. Some, like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, have used verses like this to say that Jesus was not God because he was subordinate to the Father. But Jesus’ essential, divine being was not subordinate to the Father—in all things he was equal with God (Philippians 2:5-6); rather, Jesus coordinated his will to fully comply with the Father’s will. Thus, to respond to Jesus is to respond to God. To believe in Jesus is to believe in God. To reject Jesus is to reject God. To hear Jesus’ words makes each person responsible before God for what he or she does with them.

12:50 Jesus closed his message with one final appeal to accept the words he had spoken as having come from the Father. To accept those words is to receive eternal life (3:16-17, 35-36; 5:24-29, 39-40).

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Sources:

— Life Application Bible Commentary

— Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary