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John 16 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1/29/2023

This picture, measuring approximately 10x20 inches, is of English origin. Unfortunately, we don't know who the artist might have been. It looks like it may have been an illustration in an illuminated lectionary. According to the Ivan Honchar Museum in Kyiv, where the work resides, it was made between 1590 and 1620. Notice on the left, the disciples seem rather annoyed that Jesus is going to be leaving them. Possibly they are picturing themselves left behind and Jesus (who has a name tag above) watching them from heaven but not doing much. On the right, when Jesus is giving them the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, they seem to be doing much better. Interestingly enough, though from some perspectives Peter would be expected on the seat in the middle. Peter is normally pictured as an old man, and he is standing beside the seat. The person on the seat is probably James of Jerusalem, who presided over the council described in Acts chapter 15.

Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 16. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. In John 16, the disciples don't like Jesus' statements that he is going away. What is Jesus' purpose in going away? What good will it do?

2. Jesus says that "the world" hates him and the Father. What can we see that makes this seem true? Are there signs that our world also loves the Father and the Son? How do we reconcile these attitudes?

3. List the things John 16 says the Holy Spirit will do. Why are these important? Is this a complete list of the things the Holy Spirit does?

4. What is it that will turn the disciples' sorrow into joy?

5. When we think of Jesus overcoming the world, what do we picture?

Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!

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The Holy Spirit's Work in a Hostile World

1/29/2023

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John 15:17-16:4 speaks to the world’s opposition to Christ and his people. Carson notes that the theological difference between Church and the world is fundamental. The differences result in a different sociology which provokes enmity (Carson 1991, 524). A Christian view of joyful submission to God is foreign to a world which wishes to assert the independent individual (Carson 1991, 525). Despite this opposition, Jesus is clear in verses 22 and following that God’s redemptive work is not in any danger (Carson 1991, 527). The Scriptures point to redemption. There is no need to doubt God’s plan. It is confirmed by the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will testify about Jesus (Carson 1991, 529). Carson sees the important emphasis not on the source of the procession of the Holy Spirit but on the fact that the Holy Spirit will work as Jesus is ascended. In sum, the persecution faced by Christians is to be seen as a rejection of Jesus. Carson concludes that many times there are clear ideological reasons which lead to the death of Christians (Carson 1991, 531).

John 16:4-15 speaks of the Holy Spirit’s work (Carson 1991, 532). The passage does not follow as clearly as some commentators would like. Carson suggests that the disciples’ questioning of Jesus’ departure is not their actual concern. They may rather be expressing grief that he is leaving at all (Carson 1991, 533). The disciples are clearly (vv. 6-7) filled with grief. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to relieve their grief. The Spirit will make the sinfulness of sin obvious. He will demonstrate that the world is guilty (Carson 1991, 535). Though some of the nuances of the language can be debated, it is clear that the Holy Spirit confirms the work of Jesus. While Jesus is the authoritative Word of God, the Holy Spirit enables Jesus’ people to interpret him well (Carson 1991, 539).

John 16:16-33 looks ahead to a future joy (Carson 1991, 542). This future time is unclear. It could refer to the time after the resurrection or to a future second coming (Carson 1991, 543). Regardless, as shown in 16:17-18, the disciples are unprepared for the resurrection. It does not make sense to them. Jesus reassures them that their sorrow will turn to joy (Carson 1991, 544). The communication with God will also be wide open. Vese 24 speaks of a very direct kind of prayer (Carson 1991, 545). The care of the Father is very present for the Christian (Carson 1991, 547). The section ends with Jesus’ listeners affirming their understanding and commitment. Jesus contradicts their testimony. They will not be loyal. Yet, in verse 33, they will be restored (Carson 1991, 548-549).

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John Chapter 16 Annotated

1/29/2023

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John Chapter 16 Annotated

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John 15 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1/22/2023

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This icon, from the 19th century (Russia, painter anonymous), depicts Jesus as the vine. We notice the nail print visible on his right hand, and the branches growing out of the wound on his side, received at the crucifixion. The angel Gabriel is holding a golden chalice into which Jesus is squeezing grapes. However, what is dripping into the cup is not grape juice. It matches his blood in color. We find the vine branches are wrapped around the cross, bearing a sign with the abbreviation for "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews." As Jesus has laid down his life for his people, they also lay down their lives. Yet Jesus remains the source of all strength, as the one who gives his body and blood to nourish us for eternity. Behind the cross we find a ladder, symbolizing step by step ascent to God, a spear, symbolizing courage, a spear that has punctured the world, indicating Christ's conquering of all, a column, which is a stylized form of a tree, reminiscent of the cross, a rooster, which crows even while we are denying Christ, and a ring holding it all together, symbolizing fidelity and completeness. In the foreground, the hammer and nails which were used to execute Jesus have proven useless. He has taken off the crown of suffering, which has also lost its power. All this reminds us of what Jesus is speaking about in John 15.

Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
  Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
  Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
  Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.

Here's a link to John chapter 15. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.

If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!

1. In John 15, Jesus refers to himself as the "true vine" and says God the Father is the gardener who cares for vines. Christians are the branches of the vine. What does that relationship tell you about the Christian's life?

2. What happens to branches which are broken or become disconnected from the plant?

3. Based on verses 10-14, how can we make sure we remain connected to Jesus, the vine?
What are specific steps you can take that help you hold to Christ?

4. Verses 18-25 talk about how our broader culture might think about Christians. What shoul Christians expect in their lives? What encouragement does Jesus give here?

5. Jesus returns to the idea of the Holy Spirit in verses 26-27. What encouragement does the Holy Spirit bring?

Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!

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The Gardener Caring for the Church

1/22/2023

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Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1991.
“IV. Jesus’ Self-Disclosure in His Cross and Exaltation (13:1-20:31)” “C. The Farewell Discourse: Part Two (15:1-16:33)” pp. 510-550.

Carson notes that John 15:1-16 shows a very intricate link of the relationship of the Christian, the Christ, and prayer (Carson 1991, 510). Verses 9-16 may well be a commentary on verses 1-8 (Carson 1991, 511). The images of viticulture are, of course, very common in the Bible. In verse 1 not only is Jesus’ role central, as the “vine,” but there is the additional important character, the “gardener,” i.e., the Father (Carson 1991, 513). The Father cares for the branches. He trims all the fruit-bearing branches and cuts off those that are not fruitful (Carson 1991, 514). Jesus’ word has made the branches fruitful. Carson sees the job as done in verse 3 prior to the work of pruning (Carson 1991, 515). Believers are then told to persevere in the faith. The motif of dependence and growth is continued through verse four. The growth results in what Carson identifies as “nothing less than the outcome of persevering dependence on the vine, driven by faith, embracing all of the believer’s life and the product of his witness” (Carson 1991, 517).

Verses 9-16 then unpack the material of 15:1-8. Jesus’ love for his disciples is similar to the Father’s love for the Son. The relationship is vital. Obedience and love go hand in hand (Carson 1991, 520). In considering the love of believers in 15:13, Carson concludes that the command to love one another does not negate the commands to love God. We are obligated to both (Carson 1991, 522). Carson further clarifies that when Jesus calls the disciples his friends in vv. 14-15, he does not say they are no longer to obey him. He is still the master, but he tells them his reasoning as an authority would tell his friends (Carson 1991, 523).

John 15:17-16:4 speaks to the world’s opposition to Christ and his people. Carson notes that the theological difference between Church and the world is fundamental. The differences result in a different sociology which provokes enmity (Carson 1991, 524). A Christian view of joyful submission to God is foreign to a world which wishes to assert the independent individual (Carson 1991, 525). Despite this opposition, Jesus is clear in verses 22 and following that God’s redemptive work is not in any danger (Carson 1991, 527). The Scriptures point to redemption. There is no need to doubt God’s plan. It is confirmed by the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will testify about Jesus (Carson 1991, 529). Carson sees the important emphasis not on the source of the procession of the Holy Spirit but on the fact that the Holy Spirit will work as Jesus is ascended. In sum, the persecution faced by Christians is to be seen as a rejection of Jesus. Carson concludes that many times there are clear ideological reasons which lead to the death of Christians (Carson 1991, 531).

Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.

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John Chapter 15 Annotated

1/22/2023

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John Chapter 15 Annotated

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John 14 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1/15/2023

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This painting, by Albrecht Dürer, made in 1511, measures about four feet square, plus the rounded top. Notice the curious signature with a small self-portrait of the painter, and that he ascribes it to "the 1511th year after the virgin birth." The painting is held in Vienna at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Though it is not directly related to John chapter 14, the concept of the universal work of the Holy Spirit is clear. Jesus, with the Father and the Spirit, are front and center. Around them, apparently partakers of the resurrection and ascension, are a countless multitude, people from all walks of life, virtually all entirely focused on the presence of God.

Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
  Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
  Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
  Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.

Here's a link to John chapter 14. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.

If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!

1. In John 14 Jesus has told his disciples he is going away. Review the progress of the chapter. Where is Jesus going? What is his purpose?

2. Based on Jesus' departure and his statements, how does he intend his disciples to react to what he is doing? What attitude do we generally show?

3. What are the important distinctions that show up in John 14 between the disciples of Jesus and everyone else in the world? What overall difference do those distinctions make in life?

4. Why does John think the giving of the Holy Spirit is a great comfort? How do you understand the work of the Holy Spirit?

Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!

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Jesus Promises True Comfort

1/15/2023

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Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1991.
“IV. Jesus’ Self-Disclosure in His Cross and Exaltation (13:1-20:31)” “B. The Farewell Discourse: Part One (13:31-14:31)” pp. 476-510.

In 14:1-4 Jesus encourages his disciples. The place he will go is for them also (Carson 1991, 487). The disciples are rightly troubled. They are enduring great turmoil. But Jesus’ departure is for their good (Carson 1991, 488). He will use it to care for them. Jesus has told his disciples of their destination. In John 14:5-14 Thomas has misunderstood. He wants more concrete information. He has not made sense of what Jesus said was clear (Carson 1991, 491). Jesus’ clarification is that he himself is the way to the Father. Thomas’ failure to recognize this is sad (Carson 1991, 494). Verses 9-11 make it clear tht Jesus’ teaching is not the goal. his person is the way to the Father. Commenting on John 14:12, Carson considers that the works of Jesus’ followers are “greater” simply because they are done in the context of the resurrected Lord (Carson 1991, 496).

John 14:15-31 speaks to Jesus sending the Holy Spirit to those who love him (Carson 1991, 498). This is the normal expectation of the Christian. The Paraclete will come to Jesus’ people (Carson 1991, 499). Though the timing of the Holy Spirit’s arrival is not entirely clear from the passage, it is clear that the Holy Spirit will come and later Jesus will come (Carson 1991, 501). Carson notes that Jesus’ love and the presence of God is shown in some special way to the Christians which is not visible to others (Carson 1991, 503). This, Jesus says, in verses 25 and following, is completely consistent with what he has previously told his disciples (Carson 1991, 505). The peace and love he gives are unbreakable. They are not like the substitutes we can generate (Carson 1991, 506).

John 16 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

The Holy Spirit's Work in a Hostile World

John Chapter 16 Annotated

John 15 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

The Gardener Caring for the Church

John Chapter 15 Annotated

John 14 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Jesus Promises True Comfort

John Chapter 14 Annotated

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