Is it the End?

 Have we really reached our 100th study in this "chronological" life of Christ? (I guess, since I started at zero, that should be the 101st.) Meanwhile, in a time of trial and tribulation, we look at Jesus' final words to his disciples...

(100) End of Life Discussion

Jesus’ disciples are facing some serious tribulation. It’s Passover. They’re already scared of the crowds—no nice Sea of Galilee to escape onto here. The authorities are out to get them. Jesus says he’s going to die. The only way things can get worse is if Jesus really does die. So how eagerly will they be listening to whatever he tells them in this “final” conversation?

I am the way the truth and the life: Read John 14:6

1.       This is the first of several statements about “who” Jesus is – How important is this statement to you?

2.       Which part of the statement is more important to you?

3.       What “I am” statements has Jesus already given them? (Read John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7,11, 11:25) How might these affect how they listen and how well they understand? How do they affect us?

I am in the Father and the Father in me: Read John 14:7-11.

1.       Jesus was speaking to Thomas in verse 6. Now he’s speaking to Philip. What do you remember about Philip? (Read John 1:45, 6:5, 12:21) Are you more like Philip or like Thomas?

2.       Verse 11 seems to offer two choices for how to believe. What are they? How do they fit together?

He who believes in me… greater works than these he will do: Read John 14:12-14

1.       What “greater works” could there be?

2.       What are you called to do if you believe? What does verse 13 call us to do?

If you love me, keep my commandments: Read John 14:15-17

1.       Did you remember there was an “And” (verse 16) straight after the command (verse 15)?

2.       Are we meant to struggle to keep the commandments?

3.       Are we meant to struggle to make other people keep the commandments?

I will not leave you orphans: Read John 14:18-21

1.       Have you ever felt like an orphan? Did faith help?

2.       Was Jesus saying only his disciples would “see” him, or does he “show” himself to use too?

3.       How do love and law (commandments) fit together in this passage?

If anyone believes in me, he will keep my word: Read John 14:22-24

1.       This time Jesus is speaking to the “other” Judas. What do we know about him? (Read Luke 6:16, Matthew 13:55, Jude 1, Matthew 10:2-4) How like Jude are you?

2.       How do love and law fit together here? Where does obedience come from?

The Counsellor… in my name, will teach: Read John 14:25-26

1.       What “special ingredient” makes love and law work together?

2.       When Jesus says “he will teach you,” are we (and our churches) still learning? Is it okay to change (and grow)?

Peace I leave with you: Read John 14:27

1.       Do we have peace? Do we rejoice? And if we don’t, what are we missing?

The ruler of this world is coming: Read John 14:29-31

1.       What might God be telling us now, before it comes to pass?

2.       Do we trust in the rulers of this world, or in God?

3.       Adding John 15:1 to our list, which of Jesus’ “I am” statements gives you greatest comfort? Confidence? Hope?

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