Jesus gives the imagery of the vine and branches to begin to teach his disciples of this new way of how believers will be able to have a relationship with God through him.

If you love me you will obey my commands is not a burdensome claim. It's an invitation to understand the good news of the Holy Spirit.

Words of Comfort Theme: Jesus give his disciples reason to be confident that what will happen in his betrayal and death will in fact give eternal life to all who believe.

There is no deeper wound than betrayal. Its sting is sharp because of its unreasonable lack of faith and love. Judas saw and heard all that Jesus has done and still does not believe in him. Peter does believe but his love for Jesus would face a severe test of faith.

Our deepest longings point us to God.

Jesus has set an example for his disciples as to how they are to live from now on. They are not to be served but to serve.

Doubting God’s word is the overwhelming besetting sin of each human heart. To believe in God is to believe in Jesus Christ. To believe in Jesus Christ is to believe in God. The two are inseparable. The Father is in the Son and the Son is in the Father.

The confusion of what a Messiah would bring, and the expectation people had of Jesus created confusion in the disciples because of Jesus predicting his death. How could Jesus’ death usher in the Kingdom of God?

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is a sign of God’s covenant promise being fulfilled in sending a Messiah to take away the sins of the world.

Judas judges mary for her act of worship and adoration. What does this scene reveal about our expectations ofJesus?