Jesus critiques the teachers of the law and Pharisees while teaching a lesson about what greatness looks like in the kingdom of God.

An expert in the law asks Jesus some questions of great importance.

In the midst of questioning by religious leaders in the temple, Jesus is asked what he thinks the first, or greatest, commandment is.

Having established his authority over all heaven and earth through his resurrection, Jesus gives his followers a lasting mission.

What we learn from Jesus’ appearance to Thomas and the other disciples.

Everything depends on our choice to open or close our hearts toward Jesus.

Two cries of the crowds from the first Holy Week—

1. During the Triumphal Entry, those with open hearts cry out for salvation—John 12:12-19.

Hosanna—
Hoshiah (imperative verb form of “to save”)
na (particle of entreaty—“please”)

2. During the trial before Governor Pilate, those with closed hearts cry out for crucifixion—John.19:1-7

"Let the very word 'cross' be far removed from not only the bodies of Roman citizens, but even from their thoughts, their eyes, and their ears" (Cicero, Pro Rabirio Postumo 16)

Jesus is Jesus betrayed, unjustly arrested and accused, given a sham of a trial, and condemned with no fault found in him.

Our darkest times are easier to face when we retain the capacity to think of and pray for others.

The High Priestly Prayer of John chapter 17 reveals three things Jesus is thinking about on the last night before His crucifixion—

1. Jesus thinks about the glory of God—verses 1-5.
To glorify God is to reveal Him for who He truly is.

2. Jesus thinks about His disciples—verses 6-19.
To be sanctified is to be separated from human society as it organizes itself in opposition to God (the world).

3. Jesus thinks about all His people—verses 20-26.
Christian unity is a product of love for God and one another and not shared doctrine or practice.

On the night before his betrayal, Jesus gives a new command to his disciples: Love one another as I have loved you.

We all must learn to trust and obey God regardless of our circumstances.

John 11:1-44