Women’s Bible Study The Upper Room

John 13-17~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lesson OneAn Introduction to the Gospel of John, and Jesus’ discourses in Chapter 13-17

Study for meeting held ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day One – John

God chose John to be the human instrument to write the inspired fourth Gospel. It was this John to whom Jesus gave the care of His own mother. It was this John who was, according to scripture, the first to believe that Jesus Christ arose. It will help us in our study of chapters 13-17 of the Gospel of John to learn about John himself. Today we take a first look at the human instrument God used to write the fourth Gospel.

Prayer: May we begin our lesson in prayer, asking our Heavenly Father to give us a zeal to study this Word of His and ask Him to give us an understanding of it. Read: John 1:1-14 John 13:23 John 21:20-25

Study: Use your Bible’s notes, or a Bible dictionary, etc. for help.1. What does the name John mean?

2. In the Gospel according to John, John never mentions himself by name. How does he refer to himself? John 13:23 John 19:26-27 John 21:20-25

3. According to the following texts, describe John’s family: Matthew 4:21 and Matthew 27:55&56 with Mark 15:40 John 19:25

4. What did Jesus call John and his brother James, and why did He give them that surname? Mark 3:17

5. Consider the times Jesus called John: a. Matthew 4:18-22 with Mark 1:19 b. Matthew 10:1-2; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16

Notes: “Almost all Christian tradition holds that John, the beloved disciple, wrote this Gospel... In chapter 21:24-25 we read, "This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." There are references made to the fact that the author was an eyewitness to the things that took place. We read, "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth" (1:14)…There are particular details that the author could not have known had he not been there, e.g., the hour at which Jesus sat by the well (4:6); the size of the pots that contained the water which was changed to wine (2:6); the weight and value of the ointment that Mary used in anointing Jesus (12:3,5); and the detail in the trial of Jesus (chapters 18 and 19).  Notes continued

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Day One continued “This all leads us to conclude without doubt that the disciple of John wrote this Gospel.  What then do we know of John?  From the Gospel accounts, we learn that John was a son of Zebedee… John's mother, the wife of Zebedee, was Salome… It is quite well established that she was the sister of Mary, Jesus' mother (John 19:25), which would make Jesus and John cousins. This explains from a natural point of view why Jesus commended the care of His mother to John (John 19:26-27)…John was a disciple of John the Baptist prior to being called by Jesus (John 1:39). This first call to leave John the Baptist was followed by a more permanent call to become fishers of men (Mark 1:16-17). The church fathers, Irenaeus, Theophilus, Ignatious, etc. agree that John left Jerusalem, probably around 66 A.D., the beginning of the Jewish War, and resided in Ephesus for many years. During this stay in Ephesus he preached and taught, thus influencing the early New Testament church. Later he was banished to the Isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9) during the reign of the Roman monarch Domitian (81-96 A.D.), was allowed to return to Ephesus during Nerva's reign, and died sometime during the reign of Trajan. By this it is evident that the words of Jesus proved true, that he outlived Peter and lived to be an old man (John 21:18-23).”  Rev. J. Kortering in the SB article: J ohn- The Gospel of the Son of God (1) Meditate: Take these words of Jesus from John 17:25-26 with you today: “O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Prayer: May we close in prayer, asking God to bless this study of His Word to our hearts and to use it in our lives of thankfulness to Him.

The fountain of eternal life is found alone with Thee, And in the brightness of Thy light we clearly light shall see. Psalter #94 st. 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Day Two –

The Writings of the Apostle Johnand The Purpose of John’s Gospel

“The Gospel of John was obviously addressed primarily to Christians, not to heathen. There can be little doubt that the main object of St. John, who wrote after the other evangelists, is to supplement their narratives, which were almost confined to our Lord’s life in Galilee. It was the Gospel for the Church, to cultivate and cherish the spiritual life of Christians, and bring them into the closest relations to the divine Savior. It gives the inner life and teachings of Christ as revealed to His disciples.”

Smith’s Bible Dictionary Today we will look at the inspired writings of the Apostle John, and at quotes from two Standard Bearer articles to learn the purpose for which the Holy Spirit led John to write this gospel.

Prayer: May we begin in prayer, asking God to bless us as we look at these writings of His inspired Word. Read: John 1:1-18 John 21 Study: 1. What five books of the New Testament did John write?

2. From your Bible’s notes, or a Bible dictionary, try to find: When John wrote this gospel:

Where he was when he wrote it: Questions continued

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Day Two continued 3. According to John 20:30-31, for what purpose did John write this Gospel?

4. Considering the doctrine of inspiration, did John paraphrase the words of Jesus (he wrote them at least 40 years later) or do we have the actual words of Jesus? Explain.

Notes: “The Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John toward the end of the first century, the later 90's A.D. It was written during the latter part of John's residence in Ephesus. The significance of this can be appreciated if we remind ourselves that the other Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, were all written sometime during the 60's A.D. John was written some 40 years later. By now John was an old man. He was eyewitness to the events of Jesus' ministry, he led the early church at Jerusalem, he outlived his brother James, Peter and even Paul. The church was going through great trials, the threat of heresies from within, the blood-bath of Rome from without. The Holy Spirit moved the old veteran to take up his pen and write yet another Gospel.” Rev. J. Kortering in the SB article: J ohn- The Gospel of the Son of God (1)

“Closely connected to this (the theme of John) is the immediate purpose John had in writing. John writes against the false doctrines which were already beginning to trouble the early New Testament church: Docetism and Arianism. There was the error of denying the full humanity of Christ (Docetism: that Christ only seemed to be a man, but was not flesh of our flesh. See John 6:51). And there was the error of denying the full Deity of Christ (Arianism: Christ was God-like, but He was not the same as God and was a created Son. See John 1:14). Of the 1,000 days of Christ's ministry, John writes of only 20 of them. And one-third of the book deals with one 24-hour period (chapters 13-18)… John writes in the simplest vocabulary and most concise sentences. Yet, he sets forth the most profound truths of the Scriptures.”

Rev. C. Haak in the SB article: The Gospel According to John: Introduction and Overview Meditate: May we take these verses with us today as we begin to look into our study this year, remembering the purpose for which God inspired John to write these things. John 20:30-31: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

Prayer: May we ask God’s blessing on today’s study, that we may benefit from it and be assured that we have life through Jesus Christ.

O praise and bless the Lord, my soul, His wondrous love proclaim; Join heart and voice and all my powers to bless His holy Name. Psalter #277 st. 1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Day Three –

Learning more about John “John and his brother James were called by Jesus, ‘Boanerges’, or ‘sons of thunder’ (Mark 3:17). One asks, why? There are certain incidents which give us a clue as to the meaning. When Jesus traveled through Samaria and the people refused ordinary hospitality, James and John asked Jesus if they should call fire down from heaven to consume them (Luke 9:14ff.). Also, when John saw one cast out demons who was not a follower of Jesus, he forbade him; but Jesus corrected him for this conduct (Luke 9:49ff.). From this we learn that ‘sons of thunder’ describes their fiery nature, their unsanctified zeal for Jesus, that had to be controlled and submitted to the will of God.” Rev. J. Kortering in the SB article: J ohn- The Gospel of the Son of God (1) Today we will learn more about the Apostle John.

Day Three continued

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Day Three continuedPrayer: May we begin our study today, asking God to reveal to us more of the Apostle He used to bring to us the wonderful teaching we will study this year.

Read: Luke 8:49-56 Acts 3:1-3 Revelation 1:1-4

Study: 1. What special place did John hold?

Mark 5:35-43 Mark 9:2-10 Mark 14:32-42

2. What do we read of John after Jesus’ resurrection? Acts 3:1-5 Acts 4:1-13 Acts 8:14-17 Galatians 2:9

3. What do the scriptures show us of the special relationship between John and Peter? Acts 3:1 Acts 4:13 Acts 4:18-20 Galatians 2:9

Notes: “Jesus calls James and John ‘sons of thunder’ (Mark 3:17).. Surely, John was the disciple of love. Love and flashing anger are not mutually exclusive. It was genuine love for Jesus which manifested itself in this ill-conceived utterance. It was love which caused John to interfere with the man who, though casting out demons in the name of Jesus, was not a regular disciple (Luke 9:49-50). It is a mark of John’s genuine humility that he never mentions by name those who belong to the inner circle of his relatives. Although he loved the Master intensely, it is not his love for Christ but the latter’s love for the apostle that is emphasized in the Fourth Gospel. John styles himself ‘the disciple whom Christ loved’ (John 13:23-25).” William Hendriksen in: Survey of the Bible: A Treasury of Bible Information

“Being disciples of Jesus, (John) and his brother James developed close fellowship with Peter, and the three of them became an inner group with Jesus. In all honesty, John referred to himself as the "disciple whom Jesus loved." He was the closest to Jesus at the last passover (John 13:23). All three of them assumed a prominent role in Jesus' ministry. Examples of their being along with Jesus at special moments include the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8) and the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37).”

Rev. J. Kortering in the SB article: J ohn- The Gospel of the Son of God (1)

“.. the book of Acts represents the two (Peter and John) associated as in the Gospels; together they enter the temple and meet the impotent man at the Beautiful gate; together they witness before the council; together they confirm in the faith, and instrumentally impart the Holy Spirit by laying hands on the deacon Philip’s converts in Samaria, the very place where John one would have called down fire to consume the Samaritans. So complete was the triumph of grace over him! At Paul’s second visit there John (esteemed then with James and Peter a “pillar”) gave him the right hand of fellowship, that he should go to the pagan and they to the circumcision. John took part in the first council there concerning circumcision of the Gentiles. No sermon of John’s is recorded, Peter is always the spokesman.” Fausset’s Bible Dictionary

Meditate: May we take this verse with us today, and strive to be as zealous toward God and His truth as John was. “But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5

Prayer: As we close today’s study may we ask God’s blessing on us that in all our thoughts and actions we may have a zeal to serve God. Day Three continued

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Day Three continuedThy precepts are my heritage, for daily they my heart rejoice;

To keep thy statutes faithfully shall ever be my willing choice. Psalter #334 st. 4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day Four – The theme of the Gospel of John

“John writes on the main subjects that Jesus taught, and he considers only the events that show that He is indeed the Son of God.” Rev. J. Kortering in the SB article: J ohn- The Gospel of the Son of God (1) Today we will look at what John emphasized everywhere throughout his Gospel.

Prayer: May we begin by asking God to lead us in our study, that we may recognize His purpose in the inspiration of the Gospel of John.

Read: John 1:1-14 John 5:17-18 John 8:58 John 10:30 John 14:11-13

Study: 1. What is the special message that the Holy Spirit led John to emphasize in this Gospel?

2. Why is this theme of John's Gospel so important to the church of all ages?

3. What Reformed confessional statements set forth the truth of the deity of Christ?

4. What are the modern-day denials of the deity of Christ?

5. How does the deity of Christ relate to the doctrine of the Atonement? 

Notes: “John's gospel emphasizes throughout, the essential divinity of Christ. It may be called the Gospel of the Son of God. John himself states his purpose for writing, namely, to encourage faith in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God. (See ch. 20:30, 31.) This book, along with John's epistles, supplies abundant scriptural evidence that Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity, God of God, now made flesh for our salvation (John 1:14,18; 3:16,18; 5:18; 8:58; 10:30; 14:11-13; 17:21; 20:28).” Rev. C. Haak in the SB article: The Gospel According to John: Introduction and Overview

“In these first 18 verses (Chapter One) we have a summation of the entire book. All that will follow to the very end of the book is intended to prove the truth of the things declared in these first 18 verses. They make clear to us how John will approach his presentation of the Lord's work and person-that Jesus Christ is the eternal and natural Son of God now made flesh for our salvation. (See Lord's Day 13 of the Heidelberg Catechism and Art. 10 of the Belgic Confession.) Nowhere in the New Testament is the nature and meaning of Jesus' divine Sonship so clearly explained as here.”

Rev. C. Haak in the SB article: Jesus Christ, the Son of God Incarnate

"The theme of John's gospel is the Deity of the Savior. Here, as nowhere else in Scripture so fully, the Godhead of Christ is presented to our view. That which is outstanding in this fourth gospel is the Divine Sonship of the Lord Jesus. In this book we are shown that the One Who walked the earth for thirty-three years, Who was crucified at Calvary, Who rose in triumph from the grave, and Who forty days later departed from these scenes, was none other than the Lord of Glory. The evidence for this is overwhelming, the proofs almost without number, and the effect of contemplating them must be to bow our hearts in worship before the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” A.W. Pink in Exposition of the Gospel of John Day Four continued

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Day Four continuedM editate : May we take this verse with us today and think about what it means in our lives, as we look forward to studying it. John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Prayer: May we close our study in thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for revealing in His Word that Jesus Christ is divine and qualified to be our Savior.

This His word shall be made known, this Jehovah's firm decree:Thou art my beloved Son, yea, I have begotten Thee.

All the earth at thy request I will give Thee for Thy own; Then Thy might shall be confessed and Thy foes be overthrown. Psalter #3 st. 3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day Five – John’s emphasis on doctrine

In addition to teaching that Christ Jesus is divine, John was inspired to write on many more doctrines in his Gospel. Today we will look at some of the other doctrines taught in John’s Gospel.

Prayer: As we look at God’s Word to learn the truths taught there, may we ask God to reveal to us the blessings of these truths for our lives.

Read: John 14:16-26

Study: 1. The biblical doctrines of Calvinism (TULIP) are plainly and repeatedly set forth in the book of John. What doctrines are taught in the following passages from John:

3:27 - 3:36 - 5:39-42 - 6:37-39 - 6:44 - 10:16 - 10:26 - 10:27 - 10:28 - 12:37-41 - 17:24 -

2. What doctrine is found in all of the following verses:John 14:16-17 John 14:26John 15:26 John 16:13-15

Notes: “(John has) certain doctrines that he wishes his reader to grasp. Christology is one major area of theological emphasis. In the Synoptic Gospels, we see our Lord’s deity gradually dawning upon the disciples… In John, there is no suspense. The reader had already been told, at the very outset of the book, who Jesus is … --He is God, the Creator of the Universe, who has no beginning—1:1-3 --He is God come in human flesh—1:14 --He is vastly greater than John the Baptist, the greatest prophet—1:19-28 --He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world—1:29-36 --He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the King of Israel—1:40-51 One of the other major theological thrusts of John is the doctrine of the sovereignty of God:

Notes continued

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Day Five continued--But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13--No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44--Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. John 7:30--My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. John 10:27-30--Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16 The doctrine of the Trinity is clearer in the Gospel of John than in any other Gospel. Jesus often spoke of God the Father, of Himself as God, and of the Holy Spirit of God. The Trinity is everywhere you turn in John’s Gospel.” Bob Deffinbaugh from the internet at Bible.org

Meditate: May we take this verse with us today, as we meditate on the many wonderful teachings God brings us in this Gospel. John 17:24 “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

Prayer: May we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the knowledge of the doctrines He has blessed us with in this Gospel, and ask that by His Spirit we may increase in that knowledge in order to behold His glory.

Forth from Thy dwelling-place, O God, Thy awful glory shines abroad; Thy people’s strength is all from Thee; Blest be Thy Name eternally. Psalter # 182 st. 7

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Day Six –

The Similarities and differences between the Gospels and how John’s Gospel is different. “In general, we may say that the Synoptics (a term meaning "viewed together," used to refer to Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are identical in that they emphasize the deeds of the Lord's ministry, while John emphasizes the Person of our Lord as the Divine Son of God made flesh (John 1:14).” Rev. C. Haak in the SB article: The Gospel According to John: Introduction and Overview Today we will look at the differences between the Synoptic Gospels (the first three as a group) and the Gospel of John.

Prayer: May we begin our look into God’s Word in prayer to Him, that He will lead us to understand the truths we need to live by.

Read: John 3:1-15

Study: For today we will have no questions to study, only a consideration of the differences between the other three gospels, and the Gospel according to John. *** If you compare the first three gospel accounts with the gospel according to John, you will find there are basic differences between the Synoptic Gospels (the first three which have many writings in common) and John’s Gospel. Study continued

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Day Six continued Not in John - The Synoptic Gospels tell of the following events in Jesus’ life, while the Gospel according to John does not contain the teaching of any of them: Jesus’ genealogy; accounts of His birth; a record of His baptism; the temptations by the devil; the casting out of demons; the Sermon on the Mount; the parables of Jesus; Jesus’ transfiguration; the institution of the Lord’s Supper; the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Only in John - However only John wrote about the following truths of Jesus:He is the Creator (John 1) He is the “only begotten” of the Father (John 1) He is the promised “Lamb of God” (John 1) He is revealed as the great “I Am” (John chapters 6,8,10,11,14,15)He turned the water into wine (John 2) He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13) He taught the disciples in the upper room (John 14-17) His high priestly prayer (John 17) It is said that 90% of what is written about by John is unique to him, and is not found in the other Gospels.

*** “Without attempting to develop this point at any length it should be noticed that the relation which the Holy Spirit sustains to believers in this Gospel is entirely different from what is before us in the first three. Here only do we read of being "born of the Spirit" (John 3:5). Here only is He denominated their "Comforter’’ or Advocate (John 14:16); and here only do we read of Him "abiding forever" with believers (John 14:16). It is interesting to observe that, apart from the passion week events, there are only two events recorded in John's Gospel which are also mentioned in the other Gospel accounts: the feeding of the 5000 and Christ's walking on the water. More than one third of the Gospel concerns itself with one 24 hour period, that prior to and including the crucifixion (chapters 13-19).” 

Rev. J. Kortering in the SB article: John - The Gospel of the Son of God (1) Notes: “Each one of the four inspired accounts of the life and ministry of Christ has its own particular emphasis and theme. The four gospel narratives are not simply four carbon copies, but each one was written with a particular purpose in mind, and each one stresses a particular truth about the Person and work of our Lord. Together they give the complete revelation of our Savior and the salvation He accomplished.”

Rev. C. Haak’s SB article: The Gospel According to John: Introduction and Overview "He (God) therefore so dictated to the four Evangelists what they should write that, while each had their own part, the whole formed one complete body...I am accustomed to say that this gospel (John) is the key to open the door to the understanding of the others. For whoever grasps the power of Christ as it is here graphically portrayed, will afterwards read with advantage what the others relate about the manifested Redeemer." John Calvin as quoted in Rev. C. Haak’s SB article above Meditate: May we meditate today on this verse from John, keeping in mind that Christ has overcome the world, and has the power to give us peace in Him. John 16:33: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Prayer: Believing and clinging onto that promise of peace, may we close in thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father Who blesses us with unmeasured blessings in Christ.

Salvation is from God alone, Whom as their covert saints have knownWhen by sore troubles tried;

The Lord Who helped in troubles past will save them to the very last, For they in Him confide. Psalter # 99 st. 5

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Day Seven - Jesus’ signs and personal ministry

In the Gospel of John we find the use of ‘signs’ which reveal Christ’s deity and the truth the He is Israel’s long watched for Messiah. John’s inspired writings also show us how Jesus Christ spoke with individuals showing His personal care over His own, and how He revealed Himself to them, and thus they became witnesses of His deity.

Today we look at some of these truths concerning Jesus’ divinity found in John.

Prayer: As we begin our study may we ask God to lead us to see Christ as the Son of God in His life on earth.

Read: John 11:14-27

Study: 1. John uses the word signs for the miracles Jesus worked. He uses this term to show that the meaning of the miracle is to reveal Who Jesus is. The signs recorded in the gospel of John show that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Five of the seven are found only in the gospel of John. What are the signs and how do they show that Jesus was the Son of God - what does He have power over?a. John 2:1-11b. John 4:46-54c. John 5:2-9d. John 6:1-14e. John 6:16-21f. John 9:1-17g. John 11:1-44

2. John shows us over and over, the personal and intimate ministry of Jesus to individuals. Consider the following examples:a. Nicodemus - John 3:1-15; John 7:50-52; John 19:39b. The Samaritan Woman - John 4:1-26-29c. Mary and Martha - John 11:1-40; John 12:2-8

3. How were the following individuals witnesses to, (and therefore confessed) the deity of Christ?a. John the Baptist John 1:32-34b. Nathaniel John 1:49c. Peter John 6:69d. Martha John 11:27e. Thomas John 20:28f. John John 20:31

Notes: “John included material that substantiates the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. This is true of the miracles recorded: water changed into wine (John 2:1-11); healing of the Nobelman's son (John 4:46-54); healing of the impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:2-9); feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-14); Jesus' walking on the water (John 6:16-21); healing of the blind man (John 9:1-17); raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44); resurrection of Jesus (John 20:1-29). Reference to these miracles is made in the context of setting forth the divinity of Christ… John sets forth the ministry of Jesus to individuals. Surely, Jesus preached to the multitudes, but here in John's Gospel, we learn more how Jesus brought the Word from "house to house." At the same time, almost incidentally, we get to learn something of some of these individuals that receive such personal care.

Notes continued

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Day Seven continued “Examples are: Nicodemus (John 3:1-15; John 7:50-52; John 19:39); the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-26); Philip (John 1:43-46; John 6:5-7; John 14:8-11); Thomas (John 11:16; John 14:5, 6; John 20:24-29); Mary and Martha (John 11:1-40; John 12:2-8); Mary the mother of Jesus (John 1:1-5; John 19:26, 27).” Rev. J. Kortering in the SB article: John—the Gospel of the Son of God (concluded)

M editate : May we rejoice in what we have learned today and take with us throughout our day the blessed truth of what Jesus said about us in John 20:27-29: “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

Prayer: May we finish our study in thanksgiving to God for all He has done for us in His only begotten Son, and ask Him to go with us throughout our day to enable us to praise and serve Him.

Lord, to me Thy ways make known, guide in truth and teach Thou me; Thou my Savior art alone, all the day I wait for Thee. Psalter #67 st. 1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Day Eight -

I Am “Christ proves that he is the life, because God, with whom is the fountain of life, (Psalm 36:9) cannot be enjoyed in any other way than in Christ.” John Calvin Commentary on the Gospel of John

Today we take a look at how John wrote of Christ’s descriptions of Himself as the I am. Prayer: Before we begin to look at these beautiful descriptions, may we ask God to bless us to see what Christ is for us, and ask Him to help us apply these truths to our own lives.

Read: Exodus 3:11-15 John 15:1-7

Study: Go through the seven "I Ams" and try to show what each one teaches us about Jesus’ divinity, and what that means for our lives. a. I am the bread of life (John 6:35) b. I am the light of the world (John 8:12, 9:5)

c. I am the door of the sheepfold (John 10:7)

d. I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14)

e. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)

f. I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)

g. I am the true vine (John 15:1)

Notes: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ( Phil. 2:21) Christ IS my life. Living is CHRIST. This is actually nothing more than an echo of Christ's own witness: I am the Bread of Life. I am the Water of life. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. I am the Resurrection and the Life.

Notes continued

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Day Eight continued “Not: I am willing to be the Bread of Life, and all the rest. Nor: I give you the Bread of life and other gifts. But I AM the Bread of Life. I am THE Bread of life. So that we become partakers of Christ and all His benefits. All our salvation is in Him. He makes us partakers through faith, the living bond that unites us with Him forever.” Rev. C. Hanko in the SB article: To Live Is Christ

Meditate: May we take with us today the knowledge that all of our salvation is in Christ, and we are satisfied in Him. Psalm 36:8&9: “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”

Prayer: May we humbly draw near to our Heavenly Father in thanks for all His undeserved grace to us in His Son Jesus Christ.

The fountain of eternal life is found alone with Thee. And in the brightness of Thy light we clearly light shall see. Psalter #94 st. 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Day Nine -

John 13 - First Observations “Jesus began the night on which He was betrayed with an act of selfless service. It was motivated by love for His own. He ended the night continuing to do the same.” J.C. Ryle in The Gospel of John

Today as we read through John Chapter 13 we will note our first thoughts and questions concerning this part of God’s Word. Prayer: May we begin our day’s study by asking God to bless us that we may grasp the beauty of His Word in this chapter, and be humbled to follow the example Christ has set for us.

Read: As you read John 13, consider the questions listed below, along with any other thoughts that come to your mind. You can also use the familiar study questions to help you dig into the chapter: Who, what, when, why, where and how.

Study: 1. What main themes or ideas do you find in this chapter?

2. What does this scripture teach you about God?

3. Where in this chapter do you read about Jesus’ divine nature, and about His human nature?

4. What Reformed Doctrines are found in this chapter?

5. What different instructions did Jesus give His disciples in this chapter?

6. Where was part of this chapter prophesied in the Old Testament?

7. Was there something particular in this chapter that had an effect on you as you read it today?

8. List any major questions you desire to look into in our study when we look at this chapter:

Day Nine continued

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Day Nine continuedNotes: “By giving the sop, Christ did not give an opportunity to Satan, but rather Judas, having received the sop, gave himself up entirely to Satan. It was, indeed, the occasion, but not the cause. His heart, which was harder than iron, ought to have been softened by so great kindness showed to him by Christ; and now his desperate and incurable obstinacy deserves that God, by His just judgment, should harden his heart still more by Satan.” John Calvin Commentary on the Gospel of John Meditate: Jesus knew what lie ahead for Him. May we meditate on these verses today and consider what Calvin calls Jesus’ horror when He saw the incredible wickedness of one man: John 13:18&21: “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me….. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.”

Prayer: May we close our study today giving thanks to God for the great gift of salvation through the costly offering of His Son.

Yea, he who was my chosen friend, in whom I put my trust, Who ate my bread, now turns in wrath to crush me in the dust. Psalter # 113 st. 8

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Day Ten –

John 14 First Observations     “How many of God’s children have been comforted by these words of our Lord!   How many have had their hearts made calm in the deepest trial and sorrow by remembering these blessed words!  How many have found our Lord’s words here of tremendous comfort, of victory, and of eternal life!” Rev. Carl Haak Today we take a first look at God’s Word in John chapter Fourteen. Prayer: May we begin our lesson today asking God to open up to us the wonderful comfort found in these words, and ask Him to ‘see’ what wonder He has done for us. Read: As you read John 14, consider the questions listed below, along with any other thoughts that come to your mind. Study: 1. What main themes or ideas do you find in this chapter?

2. What does Jesus tell the disciples they will do because He goes to His Father?

3. Who did Jesus promise to send?

4. How does Jesus describe those who love Him? Vs. 21 5. What does this scripture teach you about the Triune God?

6. List any verses that especially speak to you, and what it is that makes them important to you:

7. List any major questions you desire to look into in our study when we look at this chapter:

Day Ten continued

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Day Ten continuedNotes: “Let not your heart be troubled. Not without good reason does Christ confirm His disciples by so many words, since a contest so arduous and so terrible awaited them; for it was no ordinary temptation, that soon afterwards they would see Him hanging on the cross; a spectacle in which nothing was to be seen but grounds for the lowest despair.” John Calvin Commentary on the Gospel of John

Meditate: May we take these verses with us today, and meditate on them to experience the comfort promised to us as redeemed children of God. John 14:18-19: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.”

Prayer: May we close today’s study by thanking God for His comforting mercies, and ask Him to keep us in His care so that we never forget what He has done for us.

Comfort Thy servant now, while at Thy throne I bow, For Thou art love,

Thy pardoning grace is free; Sinners who call on Thee Thy tender mercy see,

O God above. Psalter # 235 st. 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day Eleven – John 15 - First Observations

“We are meant to learn first, from these verses, that the union between Christ and believers is very close.  He is "the Vine," and they are "the branches." The union between the branch of a vine and the main stem, is the closest that can be conceived. It is the whole secret of the branch's life, strength, vigor, beauty, and fertility. Separate from the parent stem, it has no life of its own… Cut off from the stem, it must soon wither and die.” J.C. Ryle in The Gospel of John Today we take a first look at John chapter fifteen.

Prayer: May we begin today’s lesson by asking God to open up this chapter to us that we may begin to understand His Word to us here.

Read: As you read John 15, consider the questions listed below, along with any other thoughts that come to your mind.Study: 1. What main themes or ideas do you find in this chapter?

2. We will study them when we get to this chapter, but watch for specific command words Jesus gives the disciples and consider what place they hold in your life:

abide continue keep remember

3. What warning does Jesus give His disciples in this chapter?

4. What promise of comfort does He give them to help them face that trouble?

5. What verses especially spoke to you as you read this chapter? Day Eleven continued

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Day Eleven continuedNotes: “In themselves believers have no life, or strength, or spiritual power. All that they have of vital religion comes from Christ. They are what they are, and feel what they feel, and do what they do, because they draw out of Jesus a continual supply of grace, help, and ability. Joined to the Lord by faith, and united in mysterious union with Him by the Spirit, they stand, and walk, and continue, and run the Christian race. But every jot of good about them is drawn from their spiritual Head, Jesus Christ.”

J.C. Ryle in The Gospel of John Meditate: May we meditate on these verses from this part of God’s Word throughout the day today, and remember that without Him we can do nothing. John 15:4-5: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Prayer: May we close our study today asking God to lead us to know what it is to abide in Christ, and that He will give us grace to see how it is that without Him we can do nothing.

Because on Me he set his love, I will his constant Savior prove,

And since to him My Name is known, I will exalt him as My own. Psalter # 249 st 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day Twelve – John 16 -First Observations

“Let it never surprise us to hear of true Christians being persecuted, in one way or another, even in our own day. Human nature never changes. Grace is never really popular. The quantity of persecution which God's children have to suffer in every rank of life, even now, if they confess their Master, is far greater than the thoughtless world supposes. They only know it who go through it, at school, at college, in the counting-house, in the barracks-room, on board the ship. Those words shall always be found true--"All who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution." (2 Tim. 3:12)” J.C. Ryle in The Gospel of John

Today we take a first look at Chapter 16.

Prayer: May we begin today by asking God to lead us through this part of His Word, that we may learn the many lessons here and apply them to our own lives.

Read: As you read John 16, consider the questions listed below, along with any other thoughts that come to your mind.

Study: 1. What main themes or ideas do you find in this chapter?

2. What warning does Jesus give His disciples in this chapter?

3. Why does Jesus say He told them these things now?

4. What does Jesus tell His disciples the Spirit will do?

5. List any verses that especially speak to you, and what it is that makes them important to you:

Day Twelve continued

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Day Twelve continuedNotes: “Let us never forget that religious earnestness alone is no proof that a man is a sound Christian. Not all zeal is right--it may be a zeal without knowledge. No one is so mischievous as a blundering, ignorant zealot. Not all earnestness is trustworthy--without the leading of God's Spirit, it may lead a man so far astray, that, like Saul, he will persecute Christ himself. Some bigots imagine they are doing God service, when they are actually fighting against His truth, and trampling on His people. Let us pray that we may have light as well as zeal.” J.C. Ryle in The Gospel of John

Meditate: May we take these verses with us today and take comfort in believing that whatever persecution we may face, Jesus told us before, so that we will not stumble. John 16:1-3 “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.”

Prayer: May we close our study in prayer, asking God to give us the grace to watch and be prepared for persecution that will come to His elect, and asking Him to assure us that He will give us strength to be faithful.

Mocked by those who are unrighteous, still to Thy commands I cleave; Thinking on Thy former judgments, help and comfort I receive. Psalter #327 st. 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Day Thirteen –

John 17 - First Observations My joy fulfilled in themselves

“The seventeenth of John contains the longest recorded prayer which our Lord offered during His public ministry on earth, and has been justly designated His High Priestly Prayer. It was offered in the presence of His apostles, after the institution and celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and immediately following the Paschal discourse recorded in 14 to 16. It has been appropriately said, "The most remarkable prayer followed the most full and consoling discourse ever uttered on earth." Matthew Henry - Quoted by A.W. Pink

Today we take a first look at John Chapter 17.

Prayer: Before we look at this beautiful portion of God’s Word, may we ask Him to guide us by His Spirit that we may hear Him speak to us these blessed truths. Read: As you read John 17, consider the study questions listed below, along with any other thoughts that come to your mind.Study: 1. What is the main theme of this chapter?

2. Consider as you read, the blessing of this chapter; that we can read here the intimacy of the prayer our Savior prayed to His Heavenly Father.

3. Who was Jesus praying for in this prayer?

4. Can you find three general divisions, and who He prays for in those divisions?

5. List some of the many blessings Jesus asks of His Father for His own:

6. List any verses that especially speak to you, and what it is that makes them important to you: Day Thirteen continued

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Day Thirteen continuedNotes: “And now, after reading this passage, can we ever give too much honour to Christ? Can we ever think too highly of Him? Let us banish the unworthy thought from our minds forever. Let us learn to exalt Him more in our hearts and to rest more confidingly the whole weight of our souls in His hands. Christ is the meeting-point between the Trinity and the sinner's soul. He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father which sent Him.” J.C. Ryle in The Gospel of John

Meditate: May we meditate on this comforting verse today. We have been given to Christ by the Eternal God and will be with Him and see His glory. John 17:24 Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Prayer: May we close our study in great thankfulness to our God for the promise that we will behold the glory of Christ Jesus, and be with Him throughout eternity - satisfied.

When I in righteousness at last Thy glorious face shall see,When all the weary night is past, and I awake with Thee

To view the glories that abide, then, then I shall be satisfied. Psalter #32 st. 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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