Read a Gospel for Lent: Week 5
Scripture
John 13-17
Reflection questions:
In John 13, Jesus knows it’s near His time to go to the cross. Imagine the weight and significance of this last supper together. What does Jesus do? He washes His disciples’ feet.
Reflect and compare how Jesus models leadership with how the world often believes a leader should act.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Jesus continues with His counter-cultural teaching. Reread these verses each day this week and ask God to help you to love others well with God’s help.
Chapter 14 includes so many powerful statements from Jesus.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. In my Father’s House there are many rooms. I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me—just to name a few.
As you read, choose one that challenges or encourages you the most and memorize it this week.
Throughout chapter 14, we see Jesus continue to submit to the Father, and He introduces the Spirit, whom He calls the Helper.
“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 that I have said to you.” John 14:26
Do you think of the Holy Spirit as a helper? Jesus says He will teach you and bring things Jesus said to remembrance. Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with the Holy Spirit.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
What in your life or this world is troubling you right now? Pray and ask God for the peace only He can provide.
As chapter 15 starts, Jesus gives another I am statement: I am the true vine. He goes on to name God the Father as the vinedresser and us as branches.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Jesus sets up the relationship between Himself, God the Father and us, calling us to abide— remain, stay, dwell. Take a few moments to reflect on how you are abiding in Christ right now. Is there some tangible action you could take this week towards a closer relationship with Jesus?
In 15:11-15, Jesus talks about His love for us and our love for others. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is your friend and loves you enough to lay down His life for you?
Reflect on His love for you. Pray for a few of the people you call friends by name— that they would experience Jesus’s love and that you would love them well.
As we close chapter 15 and move into chapter 16, Jesus swings from talk of love to hate, saying the world will hate us— and it’s because of Him.
Take a moment to pray and ask God to help you in the times you feel hated by the world to bear witness to Him, that you would continue to abide in Him, and thank Him for the gift of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who helps convict the world, guide us, and glorify Jesus.
Chapter 17 is a beautiful prayer from Jesus to God the Father. Two main themes are Jesus’s surrender to the Father and His care for us.
“And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17:11
Spend some time in prayer, thanking Jesus for His love and His prayers for protection and unity.
Prayer:
Lord,
These passages are Your final thoughts to the disciples before You complete Your mission on the Cross and there is so much to dig into.
Help Your words penetrate my heart, convicting, encouraging, teaching, and empowering me to live a life redeemed and surrendered to You.
Amen