In what's often called Jesus's high priestly prayer, we're privileged to hear his intimate conversation with the Father. This prayer moves in expanding circles from Jesus himself to his disciples to all future believers. The themes of glory, unity, and protection weave throughout, revealing Jesus's heart for his followers. Notice how this prayer offers both comfort and challenge to the church today.

Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read

Through the metaphor of a vineyard, Jesus describes the intimate connection between himself and his followers. This agricultural image reveals spiritual truths about abiding, fruit-bearing, and pruning. The chapter moves from this nurturing imagery to warnings about the world's hatred, preparing disciples for both fruitfulness and persecution. Notice how love remains the central command even amid warnings of opposition.

Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read

As Jesus begins his farewell discourse, he addresses his disciples' troubled hearts with profound promises. His declaration "I am the way, the truth, and the life" offers exclusive claims alongside inclusive invitation. The promise of the Holy Spirit as Advocate introduces a new dimension of God's presence. Pay attention to how Jesus prepares his followers for his departure while promising them an even more intimate presence through the Spirit.

Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read

The Last Supper begins with a shocking act: Jesus, the master, washing his disciples' feet. This chapter moves from this profound and intimate demonstration of humble service to Jesus's new commandment of love. Listen to how the themes of betrayal and loyalty interweave as Jesus predicts both Judas's betrayal and Peter's denial. Notice how true greatness is redefined through service, setting the stage for Jesus's final teachings to his disciples.

Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, this chapter bridges between his public ministry and his final hours. A dinner celebration, a triumphal entry, and inquiring Greeks all point to Jesus's approaching "hour" of glorification through death. The themes of light and darkness return as Jesus gives his final public teachings. Listen to how this chapter weaves together images from earlier in the Gospel while pointing forward to the cross.

Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read

The raising of Lazarus stands as Jesus's final and most powerful sign in John's Gospel. This dramatic chapter reveals Jesus's very human emotions alongside his divine power over death itself. The aftermath of this miracle forces a decision: as many believe, the religious authorities finally determine Jesus must die. Notice how personal grief intertwines with public revelation, as Jesus declares himself to be "the resurrection and the life."

Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read

Moving from blindness to clarity, Jesus reveals himself through two powerful "I am" statements: "I am the door" and "I am the good shepherd." Drawing on imagery that would have immediately resonated with his audience – from David's Psalm 23 to Ezekiel's prophecies about false shepherds – Jesus distinguishes himself from all pretenders. The chapter builds from pastoral care to cosmic claims about Jesus's authority and unity with the Father. Notice how the themes of knowing, belonging, and protection interweave with profound statements about Jesus's coming sacrifice. This metaphor of shepherding speaks to both the intimacy of Jesus's care and the ultimate price he'll pay for his flock.

Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read

A man blind from birth becomes the focus of Jesus's sixth sign, but this miracle ripples far beyond physical healing. As the man's eyes are opened, the chapter unfolds like a courtroom drama – complete with hostile questioning, conflicting testimony, and a final verdict. The healed man moves from calling Jesus "the man" to declaring him "Lord," while the religious leaders, despite their physical sight, become increasingly blind to divine truth. Watch how John masterfully uses this encounter to challenge us about our own spiritual sight: are we, like the blind man, willing to have both our eyes and hearts opened to see Jesus clearly?

Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read

Opening with the compelling story of a woman caught in adultery, this chapter moves to Jesus's bold declaration: "I am the light of the world." The intense dialogue that follows reveals deep truths about Jesus's identity, culminating in his extraordinary claim, "Before Abraham was, I am." There is now a growing conflict between light and darkness, truth and falsehood, freedom and bondage. The chapter's debates about identity and origin remain relevant to modern discussions about who Jesus is.

Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read