Arise and Abide

Reading from The Gospel According to John 14:1-14(NLT) ~Jesus, the Way to the Father~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The disciples still didn’t understand because the had not received the revelation from the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the gate to the Father, Jesus is the way to the Father, the way is not about physical directions. Believe what you’ve seen and believe the promises you don’t see. Pray for those who do not know the gospel as they have not recognized the goodness of God.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 13:31-38 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The New Commandment of Jesus to love one another as Jesus loved them, same as the old commandment but fulfilled by following Jesus’ example. The way the world loves, the way God loves us. You do not always know how you will respond to something until we are up against it. Learning to die to ourselves before we die.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 13:18-30 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts His Betrayal~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The disciples not understanding that Judas was the one. The messengers being welcomed. You are the messengers, and the message is the Gospel.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 13:12-17 (NLT) ~Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus confirming with His disciples the purpose of the foot washing. The humble example of washing feet at a time when Jesus would otherwise be reclining at the table.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 13:1-11 (NLT) ~Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus example of service even to Judas who would betray Him. The picture of God’s never ending, never giving up, always and forever love. Relating to Peter’s heart displayed in the interaction. Encouragement to let go, and let God.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 12:37-50 (NLT) ~The Unbelief of the People~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. John pauses the story to point out the unbelief of the people and how it was predicted by the prophet Isaiah. Pitfalls of seeking the praise of people.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 12:30-36 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts His Death Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God speaks form heaven, and some explain it away as thunder. Jesus’ words of encouragement that when He is lifted, He will draw everyone to Himself. The Holy Spirit continues to draw people to Christ. Our response is to tell everyone the way to God has already been made.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 12:20-29 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts His Death~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus challenging His disciples while He himself faces His greatest challenge. Chasing after things that decay. Planting the kernel of wheat in the ground. The Holy Spirit being near those facing their mortality. The promise of God.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 12:12-19 (NLT) ~Jesus’ Triumphant Entry~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Times in life when we do not recognize what God is doing until He shows us later being part of the life of faith. When we take the time to reflect on our life through the filter of the word of God it gives us great hope for the future when we will see even more of what God has done.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 11:55-12:11 (NLT) ~Jesus Anointed at Bethany~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the offering and worship given to Jesus by Mary, Judas’ response, and the fork in the road where we choose.