Abide in Christ’s Love and Love One Another: A Call to Friendship and Obedience
John 15:9–17 (NKJV)
9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
The Relationship of Believers to Each Other
12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
Message
I. Abide In My Love (9-11)
See v9.
9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
In John 15:5, 7, Jesus asks His disciples to abide in Him. Today, Jesus asks His disciples to abide in His love (9c). And He teaches how. See v10.
10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
Jesus loves us (9b). We can remain in His love by keeping His commandments (10a). See v11.
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
When we keep His commandments, He will be pleased with our obedience and take delight in us with gladness. When Jesus loves us and rejoice over us, our joy will be full.
II. Love One Another (12-17)
See v12.
12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Jesus gives His disciples His commandment that they love one another as He has loved them. Here, we note that His disciples should follow the model of His love (12b) when they love one another. See v13.
13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Jesus says there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends. This is what Jesus did for us. Therefore, loving one another in v12 includes such a sacrificial love Jesus shows them. See v14-15.
14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
Jesus considers His disciples His friends if they do whatever He commands them. What He commands is from the Father (15, John 12:49-50, John 14:24). When Jesus shares the divine revelations including His commandment to love one another, we should know that
- His word including His commandment is from His Father. When they obey His command, they obey not only Jesus but also His Father.
- He is treating them not as servants who don’t know what their master is doing but as His friends.
See v16.
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
Jesus chose us and appointed us to bear lasting fruit so that the Father may give us whatever we ask Him in Jesus’ name (16) and commands us to love one another (17). Therefore, Jesus is our master.
However, we are not asked to obey blindly as slaves (15a). Instead, He reveals to us the divine will and heavenly plan of God. Therefore, we obey Him as His friends who know what our master is doing (15b).
Pruning of the Vinedresser, The Father and Abiding In The True Vine, Jesus
John 15:1–8 (NKJV)
The Relationship of Believers to Christ
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 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. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Message
Jesus said the Seven (7) “I AM” statements in the Gospel of John. They are
- I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48)
- I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12, 9:5)
- I AM the Gate (John 10:7)
- I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
- I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
- I AM the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
- I AM the True Vine (John 15:1, 5)
There is another “I AM” statement in the Gospel of John.
- Before Abraham was, I AM (John 8:58)
Today, let us study one of these “I AM” statements of Jesus, “I AM the True Vine”.
I. The Father, The Vinedresser (1-2)
See v1.
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
Jesus is a true vine (1a). We are the branches of the vine (5). His Father is the vinedresser (1b). What does the vinedresser of the vine do? See v2.
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
The Father removes every branch that does not bear fruit (2a). He prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it may bear more fruit (2b). ‘prune’ is defined in a dictionary [1] as below.
trim (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth.
Just as the vinedresser prunes the branches, God disciplines us for fruitfulness and growth. Our sins block our growth in Jesus. So, God will discipline us to repent our sins so that we may repent our sins and grow in Jesus. This ‘the father disciplines his son’ is mentioned in the Bible.
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
(Proverbs 3:11–12 NKJV, quoted in Hebrews 12:5-6)
17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects;
Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
(Job 5:17 NKJV)
As disciples of Jesus or Christians or Church members, they might act devotedly religious (Isaiah 58:1 NLT). They might come to Church regularly and seem delighted to learn all about God. They might act like a righteous group and would never abandon the laws of its God. They might ask God to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near God (Isaiah 58:2 NLT). They might say ‘We have fasted before God! Why isn’t God impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and God doesn’t even notice it!’ (Isaiah 58:3 NLT a). They might humble themselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing their heads like reeds bending in the wind. They might dress in burlap and cover themselves with ashes. (Isaiah 58:5 NLT a).
But the Father would tell of their sins! (Isaiah 58:1 NLT)
“You are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers….This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.” (Isaiah 58:3-4 NLT)
The Father would discipline them and teach them how they could get right with God. See Isaiah 58:6-11 NLT.
6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
The discipline of the Father might be great and you might cry out to Him for help. But if nothing seems to change, you may say, ‘He is not able to help.’ or ‘He doesn’t care.’ But He can help and care. Then, you may ask ‘Why did He not help?’ or ‘Why did He not answer me?’ To know the answer, let’s read Isaiah 59:1-2.
1 Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you,
nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.
2 It’s your sins that have cut you off from God.
Because of your sins, he has turned away
and will not listen anymore.
So, don’t just keep crying out to God for help but simply repent your sins before God. Let us read Isaiah 59:3-15 NLT about our sins.
3 Your hands are the hands of murderers,
and your fingers are filthy with sin.
Your lips are full of lies,
and your mouth spews corruption.
4 No one cares about being fair and honest.
The people’s lawsuits are based on lies.
They conceive evil deeds
and then give birth to sin.
5 They hatch deadly snakes
and weave spiders’ webs.
Whoever eats their eggs will die;
whoever cracks them will hatch a viper.
6 Their webs can’t be made into clothing,
and nothing they do is productive.
All their activity is filled with sin,
and violence is their trademark.
7 Their feet run to do evil,
and they rush to commit murder.
They think only about sinning.
Misery and destruction always follow them.
8 They don’t know where to find peace
or what it means to be just and good.
They have mapped out crooked roads,
and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace.
9 So there is no justice among us,
and we know nothing about right living.
We look for light but find only darkness.
We look for bright skies but walk in gloom.
10 We grope like the blind along a wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
Even at brightest noontime,
we stumble as though it were dark.
Among the living,
we are like the dead.
11 We growl like hungry bears;
we moan like mournful doves.
We look for justice, but it never comes.
We look for rescue, but it is far away from us.
12 For our sins are piled up before God
and testify against us.
Yes, we know what sinners we are.
13 We know we have rebelled and have denied the Lord.
We have turned our backs on our God.
We know how unfair and oppressive we have been,
carefully planning our deceitful lies.
14 Our courts oppose the righteous,
and justice is nowhere to be found.
Truth stumbles in the streets,
and honesty has been outlawed.
15 Yes, truth is gone,
and anyone who renounces evil is attacked.
The Lord looked and was displeased
to find there was no justice.
In conclusion, if you repent, He will stop disciplining you.
Optional readings and summaries: Isaiah 59:16-19 NLT shows that the Lord Himself steps in to save. Isaiah 59:20-21 NLT shows that the Lord is the Redeemer.
II. Abide In Jesus (3-8)
See v3.
3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
The disciples of Jesus are branches of the true vine, Jesus (1a, 5) and Jesus cleaned them through His word spoken to them (3).
See v4.
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
Jesus asks us to abide in Him. “Abide in Me” is translated as “Remain in Me” in John 15:4 NLT. Also, “abide in My word” (John 8:31 NKJV) is translated as “remain faithful to my teachings” in John 8:31 NLT.
Remain in Him. Receive His words of wisdom and open your understanding to His will (Isaiah 50:4 NLT). Listen to what He says and don’t rebel or turn away from Him (Isaiah 50:5 NLT).
Our roles in this metaphor are
- To accept the discipline of God, quickly repent and be a better version of ourselves (2).
- To remain in Jesus (4).
Why is remaining in Jesus so important? See v5-8.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 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. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Our remaining in Jesus and vice versa is essential to bear much fruit (5a). Otherwise, the branch will be removed from the vine and withered (6a) and end up in fire for burning (6b).
Also, if we remain in Jesus and His words remain in us, we may ask for anything we want, and it will be granted! (John 15:7 NLT). When we produce much fruit, we are His true disciples and this brings great glory to His Father (John 15:8 NLT).
References
[1] Oxford Languages, 06 Oct 2024, https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/
Jesus’ Promise of Greater Works, His Manifestation, and the Gift of Peace
John 14:12–31 (NKJV)
12 “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. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
Christ Answers Judas
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.
29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
Message
Last week, we studied John 14:1-11. Let us briefly review it. In John 14:7, Jesus taught His disciples that knowing or seeing Jesus is knowing or seeing His Father. However, Philip asked Jesus to show the Father (John 14:8). God, the Father is spirit (John 4:24) and invisible, and lives in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 1:16a). God became visible, approachable, and tangible in Jesus (John 1:18b, 1 John 1:1). Philip had enough opportunity to know and experience Jesus (John 14:9a). This is how Philip became knowing and experiencing God the Father. He who has seen Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:9b, 7). Philip should have recognised the following fact: Jesus was in the Father and the Father in Jesus (John 14:10a). This fact was witnessed by the works of God Jesus performed. The works of God include the words Jesus spoke as well as the numerous miracles Jesus performed. Regarding His words, He spoke not on His own authority but the Father who dwelled in Him did the works (John 14:10b). Finally Jesus said John 14:11 (NKJV).
14 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
What Jesus spoke and performed are the works of God and they help our faith. The works of God is one (John 5:36) of the five witnesses of Jesus (John 8:14, John 5:31-38).
Today let us continue studying the remaining verses in John 14.
I. The Believers Will Do Greater Works Because Jesus Goes To His Father (12-18)
See v12.
12 “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.
He who believes in Jesus will also do the works Jesus did, and greater works than those He did (12a). So, the works of God will continue bearing witness for Jesus through the words His believers speak and the miracles they perform.
Why does v12a happen “because I go to My Father.” (12b)? The short answer is in John 14:28.
28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.
The long answer is in v13-18. See v13-18.
13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
After Jesus goes to His Father
- Only His followers on the earth can and should do the works of God.
- Jesus will do whatever they ask in His name (13a, 14).
- He will ask the Father to give His believers the Holy Spirit (another advocate, the Spirit of truth) to help them (16-17).
- The Advocate, the Holy Spirit will teach them all things and remind them of everything Jesus has said to them (John 14:26).
- Jesus will come to them (18, John 14:28).
Let us study more about 4. in Section II.
II. Jesus will Manifest Himself to Those Who Love Him (19-24)
See v19-24.
19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
Believers, who love Jesus, will obey His commandments (21a, 23a), be loved by His Father and Him, and experience Him (20-21) and they will live in him (23b). On the contrary, He, who does not love Jesus, does not keep His words (24a) which has the divine authority of God (24b).
III. Jesus Leaves His Peace With His Disciples (25-28)
See v25-28.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.
Jesus said again, “Let not your heart be troubled” (27b), which He said in John 14:14a earlier. And He blessed them with His peace (27a).
Peace (27a), the peace of God, is included in the special blessing with which the priests should bless the people of God (Numbers 6:22-26 NLT). See Numbers 6:26 NLT.
26 May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.
IV. Jesus Told The Future That Would Come To Pass To Help Them Believe (29-31)
See v29
29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.
Jesus told the future events before they would happen (29a). Whether a future event foretold by a prophet comes to pass or not is how to distinguish whether the Lord has spoken it or the prophet has spoken it presumptuously (Deuteronomy 18:20-22 NLT). Solomon, the King of Wisdom declared that no one knows the future (Ecclesiastes 8:7 NIV). Only the true God could foretell the future event and do it as He predicted and no foreign god could ever do this (Isaiah 43:12 NLT). God said, “Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.” (Isaiah 46:10 NLT).
See v30.
30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.
Simply reading this verse in NLT (New Living Translation) may help us to understand it more easily. See John 14:30 NLT.
30 “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me,
See v31.
31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
For this verse, let us read it simply in NLT. See John 14:31 NLT.
31 but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.
Jesus’ Assurance of Paradise, the Only Way to the Father, and His Unity with the Father
John 14:1–11 (NKJV)
Christ Comforts His Disciples
1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 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. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
Christ Answers Thomas
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”
Christ Answers Philip
8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
Message
I. The Disciples Will Be In Paradise (1-3)
See v1.
1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
Why did Jesus tell them not to let their heart be troubled? It may be because He has said He should leave them soon (John 13:33a), they could not come where He was going (John 13:33b), and Peter would deny Him three times (John 13:38). Jesus acknowledged their belief in God as the history of the Jews was led by God. Jesus asked them to believe also in Him (1b) before telling them what He was going to do for them in v2-3. See v2-3.
2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 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.
My Father’s house (2a) may be ‘Paradise’ (Luke 23:43). There are many mansions there. Jesus will prepare more mansions if needed (2). If the mansions for them are ready, Jesus will come again and get them so that they may be also where Jesus is (3). So the disciples will be in Paradise eventually. But as for the Jews, they would die in their sin and could not come to Paradise (John 8:21) unless they believe in Jesus, the Messiah (John 8:24).
II. Jesus Is The Only Way To The Father (4-6)
See v4-6.
4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Jesus already told them He was going back to Him who sent Him (John 7:33). But Thomas didn’t know both where Jesus was going and the way to go there (5). Jesus’ answer (6) shows where He was going is ‘the Father’ and the way is Jesus. And Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father (6b).
III. Knowing (Seeing) Jesus is Knowing (Seeing) His Father (7-11)
See v7.
7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”
Knowing Jesus is knowing His Father (7a). The Son is the exact representation of God (See Hebrews 1:3 NIV) and the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Seeing Jesus is seeing His Father (7b). See v8.
8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”
Even though Jesus said v7, Philip requested Jesus to show the Father. Philip probably wanted to see the Father with his physical eyes, but He is spirit (John 4:24) and invisible and lives in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 1:16a), whom no one has seen or can see (1 Timothy 1:16b, John 1:18a). See v9-11.
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
Knowing Jesus is knowing His Father (7a). Philip had enough opportunity to know and experience Him (9a). Experiencing Jesus is experiencing His Father (9b). When they see the works of God Jesus performed (10b, 11b), they can see (believe) Jesus is in the Father and the Father in Jesus (10a). Jesus spoke what the Father who dwells in Him commanded Him to say (10b, John 12:49).
Jesus asked Philip,
“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” (11)
If they don’t know for sure yet, they should believe. If they can’t believe, they should look at the works of God performed. The object of belief is Jesus who is in the Father and in whom the Father is.
Jesus’ Glorification, the New Commandment, and Peter’s Denial Foretold
John 13:31–38 (NKJV)
Christ Announces His Departure
31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33 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. 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Christ Foretells Peter’s Denial
Matt. 26:34, 35; Mark 14:30, 31; Luke 22:33, 34
36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?”
Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”
37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”
38 Jesus answered him, “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.
Message
I. The Time Has Come for Jesus to Be Glorified (31-32)
See v31-32.
31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately.
John 13:31-32 NLT is easier to understand. See John 13:31-32 NLT.
31 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. 32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once.
Judas was coming back with a detachment of troops (See John 18:3) so that Jesus might be arrested. This would be followed by His crucifixion and resurrection. So, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into His glory.” (31a). As a result, God would be glorified because of the Son Jesus (31b) and so, God would give His own glory to the Son (32). After the resurrection, Jesus was seen by them for forty days (Acts 1:3) and then taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19). Sitting at the right hand of God reflects the fact God gave His own glory to the Son. Jesus glorified God by humbling Himself and obeying God’s will (Philippians 2:8). Let us read ‘how God glorified this Jesus His Son’ written in Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV.
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
All authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings (Revelation 17:14, 19:16).
II. A New Commandment (33-35)
See v33.
33 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.
Jesus called His disciples ‘little children’. It may mean they are like too little children in spirit to glorify God as Jesus does or to go where Jesus is. See v34-35.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus taught them, who were little children, to love one another as Jesus has loved them. Jesus’ love for them just before He gave them this new commandment is ‘foot washing one another’ in John 13: 1-17. Loving brothers in the Lord is easy and natural, which little children in spirit can do. Loving enemies (Matthew 5:44) may be difficult for little children in spirit to do.
Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” in John 8:31. Again, in v35, Jesus says if we keep His new commandment all will know that we are His disciples. Our loving one another is the proof of our being His disciples.
III. A Conversation between Jesus and Simon Peter (36-38)
See v36.
36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?”
Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”
Jesus didn’t say the place name Peter wanted to know. Instead, Jesus told Peter that Peter could not follow Him to go to where He was going now but afterward. So, Peter would be where Jesus was going. Where Jesus was going is where God is, who sent Jesus (John 7:33) and Paradise (Luke 23:43). While the Jews would die in their sins and could not come to Paradise (John 8:21, See John 8:24), His disciples would eventually be there (John 14:2, 3). See v37.
37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”
Peter loved Jesus and was confident to follow Him now to go to where He was going. See v38.
38 Jesus answered him, “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.
Jesus knew all men and what was in man (38, John 2:24, 25, See John 1:48, 4:17, 18, 5:14, 6:6, 26, 9:3, 10:14). Jesus knows all things that we ever did (See John 4:29). This shows He is God. Jesus knew Peter would disown Him three times before the rooster would crow (John 18:25-27, Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62). Jesus also knows our future. So, Jesus is God. No one knows the future except God. See Ecclesiastes 10:14 NLT b.
14b No one really knows what is going to happen; no one can predict the future.
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal and Highlights Representation
John 13:18–30 (NKJV)
18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. 20 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”
Christ Announces Judas, the Betrayer
Matt. 26:21, 22; Mark 14:18, 19; Luke 22:21–23
21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” 22 Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.
25 Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “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. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.
Messages
I. Fulfilment of Prophecy (18-19)
See v18-19.
18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.
The betrayal of Judas Iscariot is the fulfilment of Psalm 41:9. Jesus told His disciples about the betrayal in advance so that they might believe that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God who is to come into the world.
II. Representation and Reception (20)
See v20
20 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”
Despite the betrayal by one of the disciples, Jesus assures them that whoever is sent by Jesus represents Him, so that he who receives His representative receives Jesus and he who receives Jesus receives the Father who sent Jesus.
III. Emotional Turmoil (21-22)
See v21-22.
21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” 22 Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.
As Jesus said in v18-19, He told them in advance that one of them would betray Him, which would fulfil Psalm 41:9.
We note that Jesus was troubled in spirit when He had said v18-19. This shows He suffered when He was betrayed by a disciple He had taught, trained, trusted and loved.
IV. Identification of the Betrayer (23-27a)
See v23-27a.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.
25 Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “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. 27a Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him.
V24-25 shows the disciples didn’t know who the betrayer was. In v26, Jesus showed them who the betrayer was. V27a shows Satan entered Judas Iscariot.
V. Judas’ Actions (27b-30)
See v27b-30.
27b Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”
28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.
Jesus knew Judas was betraying Him. Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” (27b) “What you do” are the things he does as his betrayal. What he does will harm the well-being of Jesus. But, Judas would not care but want to harm Him. So, Jesus asked him to do them quickly because Jesus was willing to sacrifice for His sheep. V28-29 shows no disciple knew why Jesus said this to Judas. The knowledge that the betrayal was happening was with Jesus but not with any of His disciples. How limited we are. After receiving the piece of bread, Judas went out immediately (30). “do quickly” (27b) might help him go out immediately.
Humility and Servanthood of Jesus
John 13:1–17 (NKJV)
Christ Washes the Disciples’ Feet
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”
7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”
8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
10 Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Message
See v1-5
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
Jesus started to wash His disciples’ feet and to wipe them with a towel. The reason is found in the following verses. See v6-11.
6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”
7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”
8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
10 Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”
Reborn Christians are considered ‘bathed’. They need only to wash their feet. The meaning of the foot washing will be known to the disciples not now but after the washing. After the washing Jesus said v14 that they ought to wash one another’s feet. That teaches them to love, forgive and pray for each other. Even though they were reborn, they could make mistakes, have faults, or be affected by the sinful people when they lived in this world. We can consider such occasions as their feet being dirted even though the whole body is clean. We know the feet are the most dirty part of our body and may have an awful odour. So, everyone dislikes to touch or smell others’ feet. Cleaning others’ feet is the work of the servants for their masters. We know it is more convenient if someone cleans my feet than cleaning them by myself. For example, I may pray for a fellow disciple who often becomes unclean so that he/she may repent his/her sins, resist temptations and maintain good spiritual condition. The unclean feet of other disciples may represent their weaknesses, some ugly sides, etc. This foot washing reminds me of Mary’s anointing and wiping the feet of Jesus in John 12:3. Judas Iscariot was likely not reborn (= ’bathed’) and so he was not clean. See v12-17.
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Jesus is the Lord and Teacher but He served His disciples. This means we as His disciples should serve our juniors and fellow disciples. This requires humility and servanthood. In particular, we are to wash their feet, which is ‘cleaning their uncleanness’. It should be a spiritual activity such as ‘praying for them, shedding our tears’.
Choosing Light Over Darkness and Recognizing Divine Authority
John 12:44–50 (NKJV)
44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”
Message
I. Choosing Light Over Darkness (44-45)
See v44-45.
44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.
In v44, Jesus emphasized that it was the Sender of the Son, the Father who they believed when they believed Jesus. Also, it is the Sender of the Son, the Father whom they see when they see Jesus. So, it is not about choosing a group of men called the Pharisees or a man Jesus. It is about choosing darkness or light, the devil or God. Choosing Jesus is choosing God. If they choose something else than Jesus, they chose the devil instead of God. See v46.
46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
Jesus is the light of the world. This means that His believers will no longer remain in darkness (See John 12:46 NLT). Choosing Jesus is choosing the light. Choosing something else than Jesus is choosing darkness. Jesus said He had come as ‘a’ light but He is the true light (John 1:9) when there are many false lights. Without Jesus the true light, the world is in darkness. So, it is important to believe in Him so as not to abide in darkness. People who believe the darkness or a false light as their light, their darkness is great (Matthew 6:23b). The devil tries to make ‘the truth’ ‘a lie’ and ‘a lie’ ‘the truth’ (Genesis 3:4). I found an Old-Testament-version of Matthew 6:23b. It is Isaiah 8:20. See Isaiah 8:20 NLT.
20 Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark.
Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1, Revelation 19:13). Eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9) would bring death and was forbidden by God (Genesis 2:17). The person eating its fruit represents someone living in moral autonomy, who decides good and evil without referring to the Word of God. As a result, this person will sin because he may do things his heart likes or it says ‘good’ but the Word of God may condemn those who do such things. Moses knew they were prone to following their own desires and defiling themselves instead of remembering and obeying all the commands of the Lord (Numbers 15:39 NLT). The ‘following the desires of one’s own stubborn heart’ is exactly what would lead to utter ruin! (Deuteronomy 29:19 NLT b). When Jesus said, ‘He who loves his life will lose it’ (John 12:25 NKJV a ), ‘love his life’ means
- ‘like to follow one’s own desires and defile oneself’ (Numbers 15:39 NLT)
- ‘like to follow the desires of one’s own stubborn heart’ (Deuteronomy 29:19 NLT b)
Therefore, the Holy Bible teaches,
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
as written in Matthew 4:4 NKJV and Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV.
II. Jesus’ Words with God’s Authority and Eternal Life bring Salvation or Final Judgment (47-50)
See v47.
47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
The unbelief on His words is subject to judgment. But Jesus does not judge the unbeliever. It is because Jesus did not come to judge the world but to save the world. See v48.
48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.
The words Jesus has spoken will judge him who rejects Him and does not receive His words. See v49.
49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.
The words of Jesus have the authority of God. See v50
50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”
God’s command brings (causes) everlasting life (50a). Eternal life is defined in John 17:3 as ‘the experiential relationship with the only true God and Jesus Christ whom God has sent’. All Jesus spoke are just as the Father has told Jesus (50b).
The Light of the World and the Consequences of Unbelief
John 12:34–43 (NKJV)
34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”
35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.
37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:
“Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:
40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.”
41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
I. Follow and believe while you have the light (34-36)
Jesus said, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified (John 12:23). And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself (John 12:33).” What was the people’s response? See v34-36.
34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”
35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.
The answer of Jesus tells who this Son of Man is and when He will be lifted up. The Son of Man is the light of the world Jesus and He will be lifted up a little while later (35). When the light Jesus is still alive and with them, they should follow (walk with) Him so that darkness may not overtake them (35a). A person who is overtaken by darkness may even participate in the tragic sin of killing the Son of Man. A person who walks in darkness (who does not follow Jesus) cannot have the conviction of Salvation to go to heaven (35b). Therefore, when the light Jesus is still alive and with them, they should believe in Him so that they may become sons of light (36).
- Based on v35-36, a Christian minister may encourage or urge them to follow and believe the light of the world Jesus if he leaves his mission field soon.
- The apostle Paul set a commendable example, as seen in Acts 20:26-27 NLT and Acts 20:33-35 NLT. He showed his concerns before his departure in Acts 20:29-31 NLT.
- No one was like Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10 NLT) except Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:15 NLT, Acts 3:22 NLT).
- Moses urged them to choose life and blessing by loving, obeying and committing themselves firmly to God (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT).
- Cursed is anyone who does these: See Deuteronomy 27:15-26 NLT
- Blessings for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14 NLT) and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68 NLT)
- Ten Commandments (The Initial Terms of the Covenant): Deuteronomy 5:6-21 NLT
- Moses showed his concerns before his departure in Deuteronomy 31:29 NLT.
- Moses urged them to choose life and blessing by loving, obeying and committing themselves firmly to God (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT).
II. God has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts (37-41)
See v37-41.
37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:
“Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:
40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.”
41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
v38 is prophesized in Isaiah 53:1 and v40 in Isaiah 6:10. The Jews did not believe despite of so many signs (39). The fact is that they could not believe because God had blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. If they do see with their eyes and understand with their hearts, then they will turn to God so that God should heal them. But for some reason, God didn’t want to heal them. What is God’s reason for not wanting to heal them? We can read Isaiah 6:11-13 for reference. Isaiah 6:13b may be the reason: “So the holy seed shall be its stump” (Isaiah 6:13b).
III. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (42-43)
See v42-43
42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 5:44 (“How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?”) was spoken by Jesus when they didn’t receive Jesus who had come in His Father’s name, but they would receive another who would come in his own name (John 5:43). Similarly, v43 was written when they didn’t confess their faith in Jesus to avoid being put out of the synagogue. If they confess their faith in Jesus bravely and become put out of the synagogue, they receive the praise of God and they seek the honor from the only God. However, if they do not confess their faith in Jesus to avoid being put out of the synagogue, they receive the praise of men (the Pharisees) and seek the honor from one another.
A Grain of Wheat and the Truth
John 12:20–33 (NKJV)
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
The Messiah Teaches
23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”
29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”
30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
Message
I. The Parable of a Grain of Wheat (20-26)
See v20-21
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
Jesus ministered mainly for the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6, 15:24). But His name was heard by the Gentiles as He performed powerful signs and preached the words of eternal life. Finally, certain Greeks came to see Jesus. See v22.
22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
Andrew was a helpful disciple and assisted Philip twice (22, John 6:5-9). See v23-26.
23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
At this point when the Gentile Greeks came to see Jesus, Jesus declared that ‘the hour’ had come that the Son of Man should be glorified (23). Related to His glorification (the sacrifice and the resurrection) He taught a lesson. He used a grain of wheat for His metaphor. The shell of grain should be processed by moisture and air in the soil and die, then the life inside the grain sprouts, grows and becomes a large plant or tree, producing much grain. If it does not die, it remains alone (24). He who loves life, that is, who doesn’t want to sacrifice (=die), will lose it. And he who hates his life in this world, that is, who sacrifices (=die) in this world will keep it for eternal life (25).
When we serve Jesus, we should follow His love and sacrifice (26a). If we see the Lord’s servant in a place such as a hospital or a prison, we know Jesus must be there! (26b). Jesus often chose to go to help outcasts or the most hopeless (See John 5:3, 5, 6) because Jesus cares for anyone like them as if that person were Himself (Matthew 25:35-40 NLT, Matthew 25:42-46 NLT). There is the promise of ‘honor’ from the Father to anyone who serves Jesus (26c).
Practical Real-Life Example:
Imagine a farmer who has a single grain of wheat. If he keeps it in a jar, it will remain just one grain. However, if he plants it in the soil, the grain will “die” (24), sprout, grow, and eventually produce a whole crop of wheat, yielding many more grains. This process of planting and growth requires patience and trust in the process.
Practical Guidance for Real Life:
- Embrace Sacrifice for Greater Good: Just as the grain of wheat must die to produce much fruit, we are called to let go of our selfish desires and ambitions. This might mean sacrificing our time, resources, or comfort to serve others and follow Jesus’ teachings. In doing so, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those around us and contribute to a greater good.
- Trust the Process: Like the farmer who trusts that the grain will grow, we need to have faith in the process of spiritual growth. This involves trusting that our sacrifices and efforts will bear fruit in due time, even if we don’t see immediate results.
- Serve with Love and Humility: Serving Jesus means following His example of love and sacrifice. This can be practiced in everyday life by helping those in need, showing kindness to others, and putting others’ needs before our own. When we serve with a genuine heart, we reflect Jesus’ love and bring honor to God.
- Seek Eternal Perspective: Jesus teaches that those who love their life will lose it, but those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. This means prioritizing spiritual values over worldly gains. By focusing on eternal life and God’s promises, we can find true fulfillment and purpose.
- Recognize God’s Presence in Service: When we serve others, we are serving Jesus. Look for opportunities to serve in your community, church, or workplace. Remember that in serving others, you are also honoring God, and He promises to honor those who serve Him.
By applying these principles, we can live a life that is fruitful and aligned with Jesus’ teachings, just like the grain of wheat that produces much grain when it falls into the ground and dies.
II. His Glorification, the Judgment of this world, and drawing all to Himself (27-33)
See v27-28.
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”
His hour has come (see v23). Before the sacrifice, His soul was troubled. But Jesus is not asking the Father to save Him from this hour because He came to this hour on purpose. In v23, the hour is when the Son of Man should be ‘glorified’ even though it starts with the ‘sacrifice’ on the cross. However, the shame and pain on the cross will be followed by the glorious resurrection. The glory is so great so that the sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory (See Romans 8:18). So, the 'sacrifice’ and the 'resurrection’ were indicated by Jesus with one word, the 'glorification’.
V28a shows that Jesus was not escaping from this hour but going to glorify the name of the Father. So, He prayed, “Father, glorify Your name.” (28a)
God answered via a voice from heaven (28b). “I have glorified it.” may indicate the resurrection of Lazarus after his four-day death. “I will glorify it again.” may indicate the resurrection of Jesus after His crucifixion. See v29-33.
29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”
30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
The prayer of Jesus (28a) was responded to by a voice from heaven that could be heard by the people who stood by (28b, 29). Jesus explains that the voice came for our sake. The resurrection is an important event and it glorifies the Father. But the resurrection comes after the cross. No cross, no glory. But the sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory (Romans 8:18). His hour of glorifying the Father is now (23) and now is the judgment of this world (31a). Now the ruler of this world will be cast out (31b). So, the children of God will be protected from him in the kingdom of God but the world around us is under the control of the evil one (See 1 John 5:19 NLT). The crucified Christ will draw all people to Himself (32, See 1 Timothy 2:4, 1 Corinthians 15:25, 27).
Practical Guidance for Real Life:
- Embrace Your Purpose: Just as Jesus accepted His purpose despite the suffering it entailed, we should seek to understand and embrace our own purpose of life in God. This might involve facing challenges and making sacrifices, but knowing that we are fulfilling our purpose can give us strength and determination.
- Trust in God’s Plan: Jesus did not ask to be saved from His hour of suffering because He trusted in God’s plan. In our own lives, we may face difficult situations, but trusting that God has a greater plan for us can provide comfort and hope. Remember that even in times of trouble, God is working for our good.
- Seek to Glorify God: Jesus’ prayer was for God’s name to be glorified (28). In our daily lives, we can seek to glorify God through our actions, words, and attitudes. This might involve showing kindness, helping others, and living with integrity. By doing so, we reflect God’s love and bring honor to His name.
- Understand the Power of Sacrifice: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was followed by His glorious resurrection. This teaches us that sacrifice often leads to greater rewards. In our own lives, making sacrifices for the sake of others or for a greater cause can lead to personal growth, fulfillment, and blessings.
- Recognize the Importance of the Cross: Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are central to the Christian faith. Understanding the significance of the cross can deepen our faith and commitment. It reminds us that suffering and sacrifice are part of the journey, but they lead to ultimate victory and glory.
- Live with an Eternal Perspective: Jesus spoke of drawing all people to Himself through His crucifixion (32). This reminds us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the spiritual and eternal implications of our actions. By keeping our eyes on eternity, we can navigate life’s challenges with hope and purpose.
By applying these principles, we can live a life that is aligned with Jesus’ teachings and His example of glorification.
