In a quiet, yet informative ending to John’s account of the life and ministry of Jesus, the reader is able to experience some conclusive thoughts regarding life following Jesus’ resurrection. The scene centers on the Sea of Tiberias in Galilee where the disciples (21:1-2) and many others were awaiting Jesus’ return. He had given them instructions to wait for Him there (see Matthew 28:16-17). While awaiting Jesus’ appearance, Peter and the other disciples decided to go fishing, but they did not catch anything that night (21:3); however, the next morning, “Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus” (21:4). Following His resurrection, there were several instances where Jesus appeared, but people did not know it was Him (Luke 24:16; John 20:14-15). Jesus then speaks from the shore to His disciples saying, “‘Children, have you any food?’ They answered Him, ‘No.’ And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish” (21:5-6). John, the writer of this gospel immediately recognized that the man who had spoken to them was Jesus (21:7), so the disciples rushed to the shore where Jesus had supernaturally prepared breakfast for them (21:8-9). Jesus commands them to bring the fish that they had caught to Him, so Peter drags the net full of 153 fish to the shore (21:10-11). Jesus’ supernatural provision of the fish is an evident reminder to His disciples that He will provide for them, even after He is gone.

After the disciples finished eating breakfast with the Lord (21:12-14), He directly spoke to Peter, who had earlier denied that he knew Jesus (John 18:12-27), and asked him “Do you love [supremely] me more than these?” (21:15a) Jesus’ question was in reference to the fish which surrounded Peter. Since Peter’s profession was a fisherman, Jesus was asking whether he was willing to abandon his life as a fisherman in order to be fully committed to Him. Peter responded, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love [have affection for] You” (21:15b), which indicates that although Peter loved Jesus, he did not love Jesus supremely. Jesus and Peter were using two different words for love. Because he had denied Jesus, Peter was unwilling to fully commit himself to Jesus for fear of another failure. In response to Peter’s commitment to only affectionate love, Jesus says “Feed My lambs” (21:15c). Jesus is requesting Peter to be responsible for shepherding the people who follow Him and be wholly devoted to His service. Jesus asks a second time, “Do you love [supremely] Me?” and Peter responds saying, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love [have affection for] You” (21:16). Again, Jesus commands Peter to “Tend My sheep.” When Jesus asks the question a third time, He uses the same word Peter had been using for love. John writes concerning Jesus’ third questioning of Peter, “He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love [have affection for] Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love [have affection for] Me?’” Peter knew that Jesus was even questioning whether he had affectionate love for Him, which caused Peter to be sorrowful. Peter says to Jesus, “‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love [have affection for] You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep’” (21:17). In a striking revelation, Jesus reveals to Peter that he would be fully devoted to Him and eventually give up his life for the sake of Christ (21:18-19). History records that Peter would be martyred almost 30 years later by being crucified upside down by the wicked emperor, Nero (AD 67-68). Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s future martyrdom is proof that God can still greatly use those who have failed Him in the past. Peter then expresses concern for his close friend, John, and asks Jesus about his future (21:20-21), but instead of revealing John’s future, Jesus commands Peter to only focus on following Him (21:22-23).

In the conclusion to his gospel, John writes, “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen” (21:25). Jesus had done many more works than even John could record in his account; however, John felt that he, as an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry, had provided sufficient truth so “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (21:24; 20:31).

Dear God, thank You for John’s personal account of the life and ministry of Jesus. Help those who have read his words to believe that Jesus is the Savior and Son of God.

After documenting Jesus’ cruel and torturous death, John 19 concludes with Jesus being buried in a tomb by a couple people who loved and cared for Him (19:38-42). Although all hope seems lost, Jesus’ death and burial were part of God’s plan to redeem the world from sin. In fact, John had earlier recorded Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17). The death of Jesus was payment for sin and all those who believe in Him will be granted eternal life. This truth had been stated earlier in John’s gospel, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36).

Three days after Jesus was buried, John provides some details of the happenings surrounding Mary’s visit to the tomb, “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene (read more about her in Luke 8:2) went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb” (20:1). Thinking that someone had removed Jesus’ body from the tomb, she ran to tell Peter and John who, in turn, ran to see the place where Jesus had been buried (20:2-4). Upon arriving at the empty tomb, they both discovered no body, but only linen cloths “and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself” (20:5-7). The neat condition of the cloths and handkerchief reveal that Jesus’ body had not been stolen, but miraculously removed through His grave clothes. This was not some act of hurried grave robbers. When John saw the empty tomb and the clothing which had been left behind, he believed that Jesus had risen (20:8), even though the disciples did not know Scripture taught that Jesus would rise again (20:9; Psalm 16:10). When John wrote this gospel, the church would have already grasped the concept and significance of Jesus’ resurrection. Paul alluded to the major significance of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, ” But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep [died]. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” Since Christ’s body was resurrected, those who believe in Him will also be reunited with their bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-58) at Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Peter and John left the tomb and returned to their houses (20:10), but Mary came there probably unaware of what the disciples had discovered, so John writes that she stood outside the tomb weeping until “she stooped down and looked into the tomb” (20:11). To her surprise, two angels were sitting where Jesus had been laid and asked, “Woman, why are you weeping?” (20:12-13a) In response to the angels’ question she answered, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him” (20:13b). As she spoke these words, “she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Him. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’” (20:14-15a) At first Mary did not know to whom she was speaking and thought it was the gardener until Jesus called her by name and then “she turned and said to Him, ‘Rabboni!’ (which is to say, Teacher)” (20:15b-16). Upon realizing that Jesus had risen from the dead, Mary was obviously joyful, but He warned her saying, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God’” (20:17). Jesus told her “do not cling to me” because He knew that He would only be with them temporarily. He had promised the Holy Spirit would come after Him and that the Spirit would bring them help and comfort (John 14:16-18). Following her conversation with Jesus, Mary Magdalene goes and tells the disciples “that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her” (20:18).

Jesus first appeared to Mary, but then He appears to His disciples who were gathered in a secure place “for fear of the Jews” (20:19a). The Jews had just killed their leader so now they feared for their own lives, but “Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’” (20:19b). Jesus then showed them His hands and feet which had been nailed to the cross (20:20a; see Luke 24:39) in order to prove that it was truly Him. The disciples rejoice in Jesus’ appearance to them (20:20b) and then He says, “‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’” (20:21-23). Jesus’ words were a foreshadowing of the Holy Spirit who would soon be sent to indwell them (Acts 2:1-4). There is much misunderstanding about Jesus’ statement about retaining sins. He was not giving His disciples the right to forgive sins. Only God can forgive sin. However, the disciples could know if a person was forgiven based on their response to the work of Jesus on the cross.

Eight days later, Jesus appeared again to His disciples and this time Thomas, one of Jesus disciples, was with them (20:24, 26). After having been told about Jesus’ resurrection he had said, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe (20:25). Knowing that Thomas was skeptical about His resurrection Jesus says, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (20:27). Immediately Thomas expresses his belief in Jesus. Realizing that Thomas only believed when he was able to see the resurrected Christ with His own eyes, Jesus speaks these words of reward to those who will believe without visible proof, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (20:28-29).

Finishing out John 20, the reader is reminded of John’s objective in writing his gospel, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:30-31). Everything John had written in his account of the life and ministry of Jesus came down to one purpose: so those who read about Jesus will believe in Him as their Savior and receive eternal life. Have you believed?

Dear God, help me to grasp the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Thank You for giving John the words to write so that these miracles could be preserved for all generations!

After facing arrest (18:1-11) and several unfair trials by high priests and governors (18:12-40), Jesus was finally led away to be crucified by order of Pontius Pilate and the will of the people (19:1-16). Although Jesus was innocent of the charges brought against Him, the religious leaders had convinced the crowds that Jesus’ “blasphemous” claim to be the Son of God was not true and therefore He was deserving of death. Following Pilate releasing Jesus to be crucified by the Jews, the horizontal bar of the cross was placed on His shoulders and He was led to a place called Golgotha (19:17). John then writes “they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS” (19:18-19). Crucifixion was the most horrific form of death known to the culture of Jesus’ day because it was one of torture and extreme suffering. Basically, two wooden beams were put together in the shape of a cross while the victim’s hands and feet were nailed to it. His hands would be stretched across and nailed to the horizontal beam while his feet would be nailed to the vertical beam. It is also thought that a piece of wood was placed on the vertical beam for the victim to use as a seat, but it only served as a partial support and oftentimes elongated the suffering. As if that would not cause enough pain, the torturers would drop that cross into a hole in the ground where the victim would then hang for hours, naked and visible to all who would come near. John documents the following actions by the soldiers who crucified Jesus, “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part…. They said therefore among themselves, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be…’. Therefore the soldiers did these things” (19:23-24). Not only was this type of death painful, but also shameful. Jesus’ mother and some of His family stood by and watched as He suffered in agony (19:25-27).

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit” (19:28-30). In this moment, Jesus realized that He had accomplished the work His Father had sent Him to do; in fact, when Jesus declared “It is finished”, He was declaring that the price for sin (death) had been “paid in full.” History tells us that this phrase Jesus used here has also been found on receipts when a person’s taxes had been paid in full. Jesus’ statement here was not regarding a financial transaction, but a spiritual one. His death fully satisfied the wrath of God upon sin and those who believe in Jesus as their Savior will be given eternal life. Jesus’ death on the cross was payment for our sin.

The soldiers saw that Jesus had died (19:31-37) and they entrusted His body to Joseph of Arimathea because Pilate had given him permission to bury Jesus (19:38). Nicodemus (John 3:1-10), as well as Mary Magdalene and another Mary (Matthew 27:57-61), also joined Joseph in preparing Jesus’ body for burial (19:39-40) and they laid Him in a new tomb (19:41-42). It seems anti-climatic for things to end this way in John 19. Jesus’ burial is almost matter-of-fact and is very distinct from the enormous crowds who followed Jesus while He was still alive. Many had followed Him during His life, but only a few were there after His death; however, Jesus’ death is a part of the gospel (good news) because in His death He identified with the death and burial every human being will face one day. Although many did not understand how Jesus’ death fit into God’s plan, I’m so glad that John’s account does not end here. The rest of the story is still to be told.

Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to suffer death, so that I might have life through Him.

Jesus had been unjustifiably taken captive by the Roman soldiers and religious leaders (18:1-11), who believed that His teachings were blasphemous (18:19). In their minds, Jesus was not God nor was He the Messiah who had been promised to the people of Israel, as well as to the world (Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3). Instead of accepting Him for who He really was, the religious leaders were doing everything in their power to bring false accusations against Him so they could ultimately put Him to death (11:53). Following Jesus’ arrest, He was passed back and forth between the former (Annas) and reigning (Caiaphas) high priest, who did their best to bring a charge against Jesus; however, their questioning did not get the desired results. In the midst of Jesus’ interrogation, John also follows another story line which is taking place simultaneously. Peter, one of the disciples, had been tracking Jesus’ movements to see what would come of Him, but people continued to recognize him as a follower of Jesus. Each time someone identified Peter as a follower of Jesus, he denied it bringing fulfillment to Jesus’ earlier prophecy that Peter would deny Him three times (13:38). When Peter remembered Jesus’ words, he “wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75).

The angry mob which arrested Jesus took Him from the presence of the high priest, Caiaphas, to the residence (Praetorium) of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor (18:28). Since the Jews could not take legal action to put Jesus to death, their visit to the Roman governor was significant. If they could convince Pilate that Jesus was guilty of blasphemy, they might have a chance at exterminating Him. However, it is also noteworthy that the Jews hated Jesus more than Pilate. They despised the fact that a Gentile ruled over them, but in this case their jealousy of Jesus’ popularity amongst the people overruled their hatred of Roman rule. Pilate met with the Jews in the courtyard and inquired as to why they were bringing an accusation against Jesus (18:29). The Jews answered, in a roundabout way, that Jesus was an evildoer who was worthy of death (18:30-32). Inviting Jesus into his residence, Pilate asked Him if He was the King of the Jews. Rather than answering the question, Jesus returned a question to Pilate saying, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” (18:34). Underneath Jesus’ question to Pilate was whether or not he viewed Him as a threat to Roman rule; in other words, did Pilate think Jesus was trying to overthrow the Roman government? Making it very clear to Pilate, Jesus declares, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (18:36). Jesus’ kingdom was not in fighting against earthly government, but sin in the hearts of people. Eventually Jesus would return to earth to defeat sin and set up His kingdom, but until then He was not interested in a rebellion against the political powers of Rome. Pilate immediately responded to Jesus’ talk of a kingdom and asked if He was a king to which Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (18:37). Again, Jesus declares that His kingdom is unlike any other kingdom because it is characterized by truth, which He was sent to declare. Responding to Jesus’ words, Pilate tells the Jews, “I find no fault in Him at all” (18:38).

Although Pilate declared Jesus’ innocence, he set in motion a series of compromising decisions in order to avoid being hated by the Jews. First, Pilate sends Jesus to Herod thinking maybe he could be responsible for the situation (recorded in Luke 23:6-12); however, Herod sends him back to Pilate. When Pilate realized that this circumstance was not quickly going away, he presented a custom where a prisoner would be released out of mercy (18:39). Pilate gave them two choices: release Jesus or release Barabbas, who was a robber (18:40). Pilate had underestimated the influence of the religious leaders upon the crowd who had gathered for Passover, so they cried out to allow Barabbas to be set free (18:40). Under pressure from the crowd, Pilate ordered Jesus to be beaten and whipped (19:1-3). Pilate then delivered Jesus back to the crowd assuming they would feel sorry for Him (19:4-5) and ask for His release, but they demanded that Jesus be crucified (19:6-7). Pilate pleads with the Jews to release Jesus, but they would not listen (19:12) and eventually he gave into the demands of the crowds, releasing Jesus to be crucified by the Jews (19:13-16).

Although the accusations against Jesus were unfair and unfounded, God allowed all of this to happen so that He could become the perfect sacrifice for the sins of man. Without Jesus crucifixion, no salvation from the power and penalty of sin could take place. Thank God, who loved mankind so much, that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son, Jesus, in order to set free those who would believe in Him (John 3:16-17).

Dear God, I am grateful to You for willingly giving up Your only Son to be crucified. Without Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, there would be no hope of eternal life.

Since chapter 13, John closely followed the instructions Jesus gave to His disciples prior to His death, but in John 18 the narrative begins again with Jesus and the disciples entering the Garden of Gethsemane (18:1). John mentions that Judas knew this place well because Jesus often retreated there with His disciples (18:2). Having a good idea of Jesus’ location, Judas brings “a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, [who] came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons” (18:3). Although Jesus knew why Judas had gathered together this group, He asked whom they were seeking (18:4). John records the rest of the conversation for us, “They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He.’ And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground” (18:5-6). Jesus’ response was more than an identification of Himself, but also a declaration that He was God. Some think it is odd that Jesus would repeat His first question again, but as the reader follows John’s narrative he is given a little more insight, “Then He asked them again, ‘Whom are you seeking?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus answered, ‘I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,’ that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, ‘Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none’” (18:7-9). Jesus’ confirmation that they were only seeking Him was His way of protecting the disciples from harm. However, Simon Peter thought he could protect Jesus from being taken captive so he used his sword “and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear” (18:10). Although Peter’s intentions were noble, he did not understand that Jesus must be taken captive and put to death in order to pay the penalty for sin on behalf of mankind. Without Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s full wrath against sin would have to be poured out upon man. Because God is just, sin must be punished. But because God is gracious, He chose to punish His own Son, Jesus Christ, so that man could be released from the penalty of sin. This truth is captured in Jesus’ reaction to Peter’s misinformed act of bravery, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” (18:11) Jesus knew that He must drink this cup (a symbol for God’s wrath or judgment) to set men free from sin and He would not let anything get in His way of fulfilling God’s mission to redeem the world.

This group of people who sought Jesus, arrested Him and led Him away to be stand trial before the Sanhedrin, the Supreme court of Israel (18:12-27). John mentions that they first took Him to stand before Annas who was the former high priest and father-in-law to Caiaphas, the current high priest (18:13). Within John’s narrative, he documents that “Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple” (18:15). This other disciple was none other than the writer of this particular gospel, John. John “went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in” (18:15b-16). Upon entering the courtyard, the girl at the door recognized Peter as one of Jesus’ disciples saying, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” Peter quickly denied her accusation. Peter then stood with some servants and officers who were warming themselves around the fire and as this was happening, Jesus was being questioned by the high priest about “His disciples and His doctrine” (18:19). In response to his questions Jesus said, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said” (18:20-21). Jesus was not leading some secret cult, but all of His teachings had been public and the answers the high priest was seeking were readily available to anyone. At the center of the religious leaders’ questioning was their disbelief that Jesus Christ was God. An officer who was nearby when Jesus answered the high priest hit Jesus with the palm of his hand, but Jesus quickly demanded his reason for striking Him saying, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?” (18:22-23) Jesus was only requesting a fair trial; however, the religious leaders had no desire to hear what Jesus had to say.

Considering that he had not made any progress with Jesus, Annas sent Him to the official high priest, Caiaphas, who would have to make a decision regarding any legal actions taken against Jesus (8:24). John returns to a parallel scene which he has been following for the duration of Jesus’ questioning. Peter had been following Jesus’ every move and “now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, ‘You are not also one of His disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, “I am not!’” (18:25) This is Peter’s second denial (see 18:16-17). Then, “one of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with Him?’ Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed” (18:27). Matthew mentions that Peter then remembered the words spoken to him by Jesus, “so he went out and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75).

John’s coverage of Peter’s denial is very significant because his readers can relate with Peter’s lack of faith and faltering courage. Although Peter loved Jesus, he feared where his association with Jesus would take him. Can you identify with this feeling?

Dear God, I am weak and often falter in my faith. Teach me what it means to not only love You with my lips, but also with my actions.

Jesus extends His comfort to the disciples regarding His upcoming departure, but rather than leave them without His presence, He promises to send the Holy Spirit (the Helper) to provide power (14:12-14), His indwelling presence (14:16-18), guidance (14:25-26), and the convincing work in the hearts of people (16:7-10). Although Jesus’ departure would be a sorrowful time for His disciples, He assured them that their grief would soon turn to celebration as they began to understand the necessity of His death in order to pay for the sin of mankind (16:16-22). Jesus also provided further encouragement to their broken hearts by revealing that following His death and resurrection, their relationship with God would change. Instead of talking directly to Jesus in order to speak to God, they now would have direct access to God the Father through the name of Jesus Christ (16:23-24). The disciples rejoiced in Jesus’ words and expressed their belief in what He had revealed (16:29-30), but He was quick to remind them that they were susceptible to the upcoming opposition they would face (16:31-32). Jesus did not speak these words to discourage His disciples, but to let them know He still loved them, even though they would abandon Him (16:33).

After His conversation with the disciples, John allows the reader to get an intimate glimpse into one of Jesus’ most transparent prayers. Throughout the gospels, the writers declare that Jesus prayed, but here the reader is invited close to listen as Jesus converses with His Father. Praying with His eyes lifted toward heaven Jesus says, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (17:1-3). Jesus acknowledges that the time had come for Him to give up His life to pay for the sins of mankind, knowing that His actions would bring eternal life to all who would believe. Not only would Jesus’ death bring life to those who believe, but this selfless act would ultimately bring glory to God the Father and Himself as the One who bore the sins of many (17:4-5). Jesus had brought glory to God the Father on earth by living a perfect life and now He would finish that work He was sent to accomplish through redeeming sinful man by giving His righteousness to them.

Next, Jesus prays for the disciples (17:6-19) whom God had entrusted to Him while on earth (17:6). He had taught them the truth and they had believed (17:7-8) and while Jesus was present with them, He guarded them from the attacks of those who sought evil against them (17:9-14); however, Jesus asked for their protection following His departure. Satan and all his wicked servants would do everything in their power to lead the disciples astray, but Jesus knew that the Father could bring supernatural protection through the truth (17:15-19). Jesus loved His disciples and did not want the devil to bring evil upon them.

Lastly, Jesus prayed for all those who would believe in Him as the Son of God and Savior (17:20-26). As the disciples spread the truth about Jesus Christ and that salvation exists only through His name alone, many would believe and Jesus prayed “that they all may be one” (17:20-21). Jesus’ prayer for unity amongst those who would believe in Him is not some manufactured work, but a work of the Holy Spirit who gives new and eternal life to individuals who accept Jesus as Savior. This unity stems from belief in the truth, so there can be no unity when the same truth is not embraced.

Jesus ends His prayer with a summary of everything He had already prayed, “O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (17:25-26). May Jesus’ concluding words also be the prayer of everyone who believes in the name of Jesus.

Dear God, You expressed Your love by giving up your only Son to die for the sins of man. Jesus expressed His love through voluntarily sacrificing His life so that man could be released from the power and penalty from sin. Now help me to express that same love to others.

As Jesus instructed His disciples about His soon coming departure, He provided some guidelines for conducting all the major relationships in their lives. In their relationship with God, His followers were supposed to remain obedient to His words and ways (15:1-11). Regarding their interaction with others, they should always practice loving selflessly (15:12-17). Finally, Jesus commanded them to be courageous before those who do not believe in Him (15:18-16:4). How would the disciples be able to obey God, love others, and stand firm during opposition? Jesus had promised that upon His departure, He would send another who was like Him, the Holy Spirit. This third person of the Godhead, whom Jesus often referred to as the Helper or Comforter (14:16, 26; 14:26), would come to dwell within those who believe in order to equip them to do the will of God (14:12-18).

Jesus had already spoken to them concerning the Holy Spirit’s power (14:12-14), presence (14:16-18), and guidance (14:25-26) but now He revealed the Spirit’s work in the hearts of individuals. John records the words of Jesus to His disciples, “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged” (16:8-11). Clearly, Jesus revealed that the Holy Spirit would convince (convict) people of their need for a Savior and expose the lies of Satan. Although Jesus still had much to say to His disciples, He knew they could not handle all of it so He promised that the Holy Spirit would “guide you [them] into all truth because He would speak with the Father’s authority (16:12-15).

Jesus would soon be put to death and then resurrect three days later, but He also warned them about what would occur after His resurrection, “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father” (16:16). The disciples were confused by Jesus’ saying, but did not verbalize their confusion (16:17-18); however, He knew their hearts and said, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’? Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy” (16:19-20). The approaching death of Jesus would bring grief to His disciples, but through the Spirit’s illumination they would understand the significance of His death and resurrection (16:21-23). His death would bring payment for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) and His resurrection would be the guarantee of eternal life for all who would believe in Him as Savior (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

In His words to follow, Jesus was attempting to teach them how His departure would change their relationship with God. Instead of asking Jesus so He could ask the Father, the disciples would have direct access to God through belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. On the basis of His earlier promise (14:12-14), Jesus reminded them to pray and ask for anything in His name and it would be given to them by the Father (16:24). Jesus recognized that His words were slightly confusing, but He knew that they would soon understand. Rather than asking Jesus to do things, they would be able to ask the Father directly in the name of Jesus. Jesus explains it like this: “In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father” (16:26-28). The way Jesus explained His teaching seemed to connect with the disciples and they responded saying, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God” (16:29-30).

Although the disciples verbally exercised their faith in Jesus, He knew they would struggle to be bold in the face of upcoming opposition. For this reason He says to them, “Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (16:31-32). Their verbal cries of belief would soon turn to words of denial as they would abandon Jesus in His greatest hour of need (Matthew 26:56; John 18:17, 25-27). Jesus alerted them to this upcoming reality so they could remember His love for them, even when they abandoned Him. The world would throw all kinds of challenges and trials their way following His death and resurrection, but Jesus commanded them to “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (16:33). Jesus’ death and resurrection brought victory to all who would believe and there is no need to fear what the world can bring against them!

Dear God, it is easy to lose heart when the world persecutes and opposes the very One who brought salvation. Help me to be reminded that You have already overcome the world and no one can take away the hope which has been provided through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Having informed His disciples of His imminent departure, Jesus prepared them for the events which were to follow. Although the disciples did not fully understand why Jesus had to die (14:5-11), they had to take comfort in His promise of return and preparation of a place to dwell with Him forever (14:1-4). Furthermore, Jesus’ departure was necessary so that the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (14:12-31), who would enable them to spread the message of salvation and accomplish the work He had begun (14:12-14), could come.

At the conclusion of John 14 Jesus said, “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world [Satan] is coming…Arise, let us go from here” (14:30a, 31)” which indicated that the time for His crucifixion was near. Whether Jesus and His disciples then left the upper room where He was speaking to them or began their journey toward the Garden of Gethsemane is not known; however, Jesus next words were profound in instructing them about three relationships which would continue following His departure: relationship of believers to Jesus (15:1-11), relationship of believers to one another (15:12-17), and relationship of believers to those who do not believe (15:18-16:4). Why did Jesus address His disciples about these relationships? These three relationships encompass the entire Christian lifestyle and if they were to carry out Jesus’ message, they must focus on these relationships. Love for Christ (15:1-11) leads to love for each other (15:12-17) and those who love Christ and others will testify of hope through Jesus Christ (15:18-16:4).

Illustrating the relationship an individual should have with God, Jesus provides the picture of a vine and branches (15:1-11). The true vine is Jesus, making this the final (seventh) I AM statement throughout the gospel of John (see also 6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 9; 10:11, 14; 11:25; 14:6). These I AM statements were meant to provide proof that Jesus is the Son of God and Messiah and this particular claim to deity identified Jesus as the One who gives life to the branches (believers). Life is given to all those who confess their sin and believe in Jesus as the payment for sin (John 3:16-17, 36). Without Jesus, no man can have eternal life or a relationship with God the Father (John 14:6). Jesus also introduces the vinedresser (gardener), who is God the Father, and He protects the vine as well as the branches. Jesus then mentions that flowing from the vine are two types of branches: those which do not produce fruit (15:2a) and those which bear fruit (15:2b). The branches which do not bear fruit symbolize individuals who claim they are related to Jesus, but do not really have genuine faith. The fact that the gardener (God the Father) takes away these dead branches reveals that they never had life. In fact, Jesus later says, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned” (15:6). People who reject Jesus are guaranteed eternal destruction in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

On the other hand, the branches which bear fruit (having right attitudes and actions) illustrate those who have been given life through faith in Jesus Christ. Living branches are pruned so that they might bear more fruit. The picture here exposes that God the Father often disciplines (prunes) the living branches so that they can grow more (see also Hebrews 12:3-11). Pruning involves removing sin or distractions which would cause the believer to become stagnant in his love for God and others. So, how does a person make sure he is growing in His relationship with God? Abiding or remaining in the truth evidences life and, of course, this life cannot happen outside of a relationship with the vine, Jesus Christ (15:4). Jesus then gives the benefits of remaining in Him, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (15:7). Jesus does mention that one of the major indicators of genuine life in Christ is obedience to God’s words and commands (15:7-10) so that a right relationship with God is accurately reflected through continual obedience to His commandments.

The next teaching of Jesus surrounds the relationship of believers to each other (15:12-17). Jesus says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (15:12-14). Jesus’ followers should love one another the way Jesus had shown love to them – by sacrificing and being selfless toward others. Although Jesus’ final instructions regarding a believer’s relationship to those who do not believe is not encouraging, He does identify Himself with the hatred they will experience as His followers. Jesus reminds His disciples, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (15:18-19). Persecution from those who do not believe should not discourage Jesus’ followers from testifying of salvation through His name (15:26-27). Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come in order to empower them to carry on in the face of opposition (John 16:1-4; see also Acts 1:8). As the disciples were bold, we also must be courageous in spreading the message of hope to a lost and dying world.

Dear God, in my relationship with You, help me to bear more fruit. In my relationship with others, help me to love selflessly. In my relationship to those who do not believe, help me to be courageous for the truth.

Considering that the disciples were devastated when Jesus told them He was going away (13:33, 36), Jesus provided some hope and comfort during this time of confusion. Although He would soon die to pay for the sins of all mankind, Jesus would not leave them without hope for the future. How did Jesus offer comfort to the disciples? He promised them that they would soon join Him where He was (14:1-7), but until then He would send a Comforter to equip them for the task ahead (14:8-31).

In an act of understanding and compassion, Jesus speak to His worrisome disciples saying, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (14:1). Jesus was asking His disciples to trust Him, even though they were uncertain about the future. John continues to write, “In My Father’s house are many mansions [dwelling places]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (14:2). Jesus’ departure would allow Him to prepare a place in heaven for them, which should have brought hope to their hearts. Along with preparing a place for them in heaven, Jesus promises, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know” (14:3-4). The return referred to here is known as the rapture of the saints, which takes place at an unknown time at the end of this present age. Paul writes about this taking of believers from earth to heaven in 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Thomas, one of the disciples, admits his confusion and asks, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” (14:5) Jesus’ answer to his question reveals the sixth I AM statement of Jesus in the gospel of John (see also 6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 9; 10:11, 14; 11:25). Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him” (14:6-7). All of Jesus’ I AM statements expose Him as the promised Messiah and Son of God and this particular declaration reveals that the only way to have a relationship with God the Father is through Jesus Christ, His Son. There are not many ways to God, but only one and to accept another approach to God other than through Jesus Christ, is to have faith in a lie which will lead to eternal destruction in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). When Jesus references the Father, Philip speaks up asking Jesus to show them God but He quickly adjusts their thinking saying, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father…” (14:9). Seeing and knowing Jesus is to see and know God.

After confirming His deity to the disciples (14:5-11), empowers them to carry on following His departure, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (14:12). Jesus was not necessarily promising greater power than His own, but they would be able to carry His message of salvation and hope further than He had been able to in His lifetime. How could this be possible? They would soon be filled with God’s Spirit and He would enable them to accomplish anything in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God. For this reason John records these incredible words of Jesus to His disciples, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (14:13-14). In another of John’s writings he will later add, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15). When a praying believer sets out to accomplish a task which is according to God’s plans and purposes, He will always bring it to fruition. This promise is worthy to be claimed and believed! Promising never to leave them alone, Jesus ensured them of His presence dwelling within them in the person of the Holy Spirit (14:16-21). He refers to the Holy Spirit as the Helper (14:16), who will “teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (14:26); in other words, God’s Spirit would guide them in keeping His commandments and obeying the words of Jesus (14:15, 21).

Repeating words of comfort (14:1-4), Jesus promises peace to His followers (14:27) and the guarantee of His return for them (14:28). Amidst all the seeming chaos which was about to take place, Jesus forewarned them saying, “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world [Satan] is coming, and he has nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do” (14:30-31). Although Satan will seem to have received the victory in Jesus’ upcoming death, He wanted them to know that it was a part of God’s plan to redeem mankind from their sin. His disciples should not fear what the future holds and neither should those who believe in Jesus as Savior.

Dear God, help me to take comfort in knowing that You are preparing a place for those who believe in Jesus. While I await His return, empower me through the Holy Spirit to do Your work and bring glory to the Father.

As Jesus finished washing the feet of His disciples, He had taught them a clear lesson in humility and leadership (13:1-20). Instead of seeking to be served, Christ’s followers should serve others and place the needs of others above their own in order to show the love of God (13:12-17). Also contained within Jesus’ actions of washing feet, He symbolically taught them concerning spiritual cleansing and the exclusivity of forgiveness through Him alone (13:6-11). Upon finishing His lesson to the disciples, Jesus begins to feel “troubled in spirit” and reveals that someone would soon betray Him (13:21; see also 13:2, 10-11). Appearing confused by Jesus’ revelation (13:22), John (the writer of this gospel) speaks up by demand of Peter (13:23-24) and asks Jesus to identify that person (13:25). John then reveals Jesus’ answer and actions, “‘It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.’ And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What you do, do quickly’” (13:26-27). It appears as if the other disciples did not fully understand Jesus’ words and therefore did not grasp Judas’ betrayal until a later time (13:28-29). When Judas received the piece of bread from Jesus, he left and went out into the night (13:30).

After Judas’ departure, Jesus unveils some details and instructions about the future. Although the disciples could not comprehend the complexity of what would soon follow, Jesus tried His best to prepare them so that when He had departed they might remember His words. Jesus says, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately” (13:31-32). His talk of glorification looked beyond His death and burial to the time when He would be resurrected and regain His rightful place beside the Father (see John 17:4-5). Of course when Jesus would take this position beside God the Father, He would have paid for the sins of all mankind in order to bring eternal life to all who would repent and believe in Him. However, what Jesus would say next brings some confusion to His disciples, “Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you” (13:33). Jesus announces His departure but the place where He was going, they could not go. Simon Peter cannot keep quiet in response to Jesus’ departure (13:36a), but Jesus repeats what He has already said, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward” (13:36b). Although the disciples could not follow Him in death, they would soon give their lives for the sake of Jesus’ message. Peter continued to argue with Jesus saying, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake” (13:37). Responding to Peter’s confidence, Jesus speaks about his upcoming failure, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times” (13:38). Peter thought his love for Jesus was strong enough to stand in the face of death, but he was not fully aware of the circumstances which were to follow and eventually Peter would deny Jesus just as He had said (18:15-27).

Amongst all the talk of His departure, Jesus says something which He hoped would characterize His followers after He had left, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (13:34-35). Although loving others was not a brand new commandment (Leviticus 19:18), it would certainly take on a new dimension as Jesus’ death for the sins of men would become the supreme example of sacrificial love for others. Jesus was asking His disciples and all those who believe to love others as He had loved them. This love is not normal – it loves even when the other is unlovable (Romans 5:8). Human speaking, this type of love is impossible to lavish upon others, but the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, whom Jesus would soon promise to them (Galatians 5:22), would enable them to manifest a self-sacrificing love. When Jesus’ followers demonstrated this type of love, it would become the identifying factor that they were His disciples. Jesus had displayed His love a multitude of people throughout His ministry, but His departure would now leave this responsibility in the hands of His disciples; in fact, John would later write, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us” (1 John 4:11-12). Others cannot see God with their eyes, but they can see God in us as we love one another.

Dear God, help others to see God through me as I display love toward them.