The pace at which we've been traveling through John has been incredibly rewarding to our church and definitely to me personally. Taking this entire year to rejoice, discuss and bask in the truths of this incredible gospel with our church family has been moving, unifying and even awakening for some.
With that said, we've spent the past 7 weeks studying the farewell discourse in chapters 14-16, Christ's last moments of teaching to the 11 disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. The encouragement, promises and truths that we learn in that one conversation are that which we should cling to while proclaiming the gospel in this fallen and corrupt world.
Having concluded this time of teaching Jesus now turns to the Father in prayer. Being the longest prayer recorded by Jesus it's no wonder this is one of the most talked about moments in all of Scripture, and a favorite to many.
"It is needless to say that the chapter before us contains many deeps things. It could hardly be otherwise. He that reads the words spoken by one Person of the blessed Trinity to another Person, by the Son to the Father, must surely be prepared to find much that he cannot fully understand, much that he has no line to fathom. There are sentences, words, and expressions, in the 26 verses of this chapter, which no one probably has ever unfolded completely. We have not minds to do it, or to understand the matters it contains, if we could. But there are great truths in the chapter which stand out clearly and plainly on its face, and to these truths we shall do well to direct our best attention."
- J.C. Ryle
We invite you to join us this Sunday as we jump into chapter 17 of John. To catch up on what we've been studying in the farewell discourse due to serving in the children's ministry or nursery simply click below.
Farewell Discourse, Chapters 14-16
(John 14:1-11) Part 38 - Nobody Gets To The Father Except Through Him
(John 14:12-17) Part 39 - The Promise Of The Holy Spirit
(John 14:18-31) Part 40 - True Love Leads To Obedience
(John 15:1-11) Part 41 - The True Vine
(John 15:12-27) Part 42 - Persecution Awaits All Who Obey
(John 16:1-15) Part 43 - Jesus Explains Future To Disciples
(John 16:16-33) Part 44 - A Little While?
There are two additional places in John that are of great importance, particularly in grasping the heavy truths that we'll discuss in John 17:1-5 this coming Sunday. Some of the truths and concepts that we've already learned in the latter part of John chapter 6 last spring will be reintroduced and aid us in this Sunday's passage. By God's grace we've seen a lot of growth since last spring so if you missed what was taught you can catch up no problem!
(John 6:35-51) Part 18 - Hard Sayings From Jesus (Part 1)
(John 6:52-71) Part 19 - Hard Sayings From Jesus (Part 2)
I'm so very grateful to be studying God's word with you all and proclaiming His truth. May He receive all of the glory, honor and praise in all that we do. May His kingdom advance here for His glory!
Cody Parman
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