John 11

7th sign in the realm of works.

5th sign in the realm of words.

I am the Resurrection and the life, Verse 25.

Verse 4 This sickness is for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified.

This is the greatest demonstration of Christ’s love and sympathy and glory.

This final miracle was the incontrovertible proof of His Messiahship.

Verse 8-9 The disciples were concerned for His safety. He spoke a proverb to them. The meaning being a man works 12 hours during the day. He doesn’t stumble or fall for the way is perfectly clear. Now says the Lord, this is my working day. They cannot touch my life—my time is not yet come. He walked with certainty as a man walking in the sunshine.

Verse 15 To the intent, that ye might Believe.

The meeting of Martha and the Lord. Verse 20.

Contrast the meeting of Mary. Verse 32. Service Worship.

We can be too busy.

Verse 27 She did not really believe. See Verse 39.

The great statements of Verses 25-26.

The resurrections Chapter 5:28-29.

Verse 28 The Master is come and calleth for thee.

Verse 29 Quote—for salvation. Prison Camp experience.

Laodecean Church. Revelations 3. To think that the Master was here and I refused him the key.

The actual miracle.

Loose Him and let him go.

Verse 45 Many believed on Him.

Will you believe?

John 12

Introduction to Verse 24

Chapters 12-17 of John show us in fact what is revealed in type in the O.T.

Note the Tabernacle way of approach to God.

Describe:

The white linen fence.

The Tabernacle proper.

The Court thus formed.

The vessels of the Court.

1. As you enter through the gate you are brought face to face with the Brazen Altar. This speaks of death or sacrifice, the first requirement in our approach to God. Correspondingly notice the sequence in Chapter 12-17 in John.

Chapter 12 Jesus announces His impending death, See verse 24 and verse 32, on the Cross figurative of the Brazen altar.

2. In our approach to the holy of holies we now reach the laver—Describe—Those who serve must be clean.

Now compare Chapter 13 where Christ washes His disciples feet.

Now, with the sacrifice offered and accepted at the Brazen altar and the priests clean by washing at the laver, they now enter the holy place.

In this compartment there were three pieces of furniture

1. The altar of incense

2. The Table of shew bread

3. The Candlestick

It was in this place—shut off from the eyes of men—that the Priest’s served and communed with God.

This would correspond with Chapters 14-16.

The final phase of worship was the function of High Priest, who, alone entered into the Holy of Holies which contained, the (1) Ark of the Covenant (2) The Mercy Seat or covering for the ark. There he made intercession for he people. Surely this is the picture of Chapter 17.

In Verse 24 and Verse 32 the Lord foretells the death that He should die.

Because of His death, we have salvation.

Because of His death, we have life ever lasting.

Through His death alone could come the glory. Verse 23.

Verse 25 We find this statement in five other passages in the Gospels.

Matthew 10:39, 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24, 17:33.

He that loveth his life shall lose it means He who thinks more of his life now, in time, will lose it in eternity. But he that hates his life now in favor of the life hereafter shall keep it unto life everlasting.

Philippians 3:7-10; Colossians 3:1-4. What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world?

Verse 26 Service involves Following Christ.

One who serves and follows will be rewarded by God the Father.

An insight into the human side of the Lord.

Verse 27 Now is my soul troubled.

As God He knew that in a few days He would be made a spectacle of shame and woe. He was about to be made sin, for us who knew no sin. His holy soul shrank from the thought—Now is my soul troubled. He was about to become the Sin-bearer. What shall I say? = a question of anguish, perplexity and distress.

Then follows a short prayer = “Father save me from this hour.”

The next statement should never be detached from the short prayer.

But for this cause came I unto this hour.

Such statements as these, coupled with Matthew 26:42, O, my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me except I drink it, Thy will be done, show the intensely human side of our Lord.

Verse 28 It was more than just submission and obedience that motivated the Lord, His great desire was that the Father’s name might be glorified.

“Father glorify thy name.”

Can we say like Paul: “That in all things, by life or by death, Christ might be magnified in my body.”

The Father’s answer came immediately.

I have both glorified it.

Did He not glorify it at Jordan—Transfiguration—and now.

Did He not glorify His name in the raising of Lazarus, would He not glorify it again in Christ’s own resurrection.

Verse 29 Those that heard could not understand.

Verse 30 This was a definite message to those who stood around.

Verse 31 This verse is anticipative.

He speaks of the work of the Cross as being completed. Quote.

Verse 27 Now is my soul troubled.

The Lord being omniscient knew what would befall Him.

He knew the writings of the O.T. prophets.

Isaiah 52 and 53. Psalm 22 and 69. Zechariah 13:6-7. 2 Corinthians 5:21.

He knew that in a few more days they would spit in His face, smite His cheeks, scourge His back, and nail Him to the Cross.

But this was not the real cause for His sorrow, there was something deeper than that. The physical suffering was nothing to the immeasurable suffering of His soul.

The hours of darkness—the cry My God etc.

The meal offering of Leviticus 2 which speaks of the Life of Christ was prepared in

1. A frying pan- Foxes have holes, etc. Show me a penny! Partly concealed—partly open. Wrath of God—malice of men—enmity of Satan were combined.

2. A pan (Flat plate)- What man saw. The Cross sufferings of Christ. They gaped upon me with their mouth—Poured out like water—they look and stare at me.

3. An oven- The hours of darkness (Gethsemane) shut off from the eyes of men. God—Holy—Righteous dealt with His Son on account of our sin.

What shall I say? Father save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. A statement like this reveals the depth of the heart of the Lord.

Father save me from this hour is the cry of His human heart.

But for this cause came I unto this hour is the revelation of His Divine nature.

Verse 28 Father glorify thy name.

The Lord’s great desire was to glorify the Father.

Note the three significant steps in these utterances of the Lord.

1. His sinless human soul shrank from the sufferings.

2. He expresses absolute submission to the Father’s will.

3. He desires the glory of the Father’s name.

Application

Father glorify thy name in me. Do with me what thou wilt, only glorify thy name. This is the utmost and highest desire of a believer. Paul as a prisoner in Rome wrote to the Philippians, “That in all things, by life or by death, Christ may be magnified in my body.”

The Father answers at once.

“I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

This can mean two things.

1. That the Father was glorified in His

(a) Incarnation

(b) Miracles

(c) In the Word that He had spoken

(d) Suffering and death.

2. Keeping the passage strictly in its context.

It could refer to the raising of Lazarus and also to His own Resurrection.

With reference to Lazarus “This sickness is not unto death, but unto the glory of God.”

Then God again would be glorified in the resurrection of His own Son.

The Voice from heaven—this was the third time.

1. At His baptism in Jordan. Matthew 3:13-17.

2. Mount of Transfiguration. Matthew 17.

Verse 30 This heavenly outburst confirmed again the fact of His Deity. It was a testimony to them.

Verse 31 This statement is probably anticipative.

He speaks of the work of the Cross as already accomplished.

Another example:

John 17:4 “I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” The result of this work is the judgment of this world, and the casting out of the prince of the world.

How and when this will be consummated is told in Revelation 12 and 20.

The death of Christ has laid the basis for the stripping of the prince of this world of all his power and has sealed his eternal doom.

Colossians 2:15 says that He spoiled principalities and powers and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them.

Verse 32-33 Christ crucified, lifted up, dying for sinner—making known the Love and Righteousness of God—is the Power that will draw all men unto Him.

Men will be drawn for salvation.

All men in a wider sense will be drawn unto Him (A) Gathered into the kingdom (B) Gathered for Judgment.

The Two Resurrections John 5:28-29.

The Rapture 1 Thessalonians 4.

The Great White Throne Revelations 19.

Every knee shall bow Philippians 2:9-11.

John 13

The structure of John’s Gospel has been compared with the three divisions of Israel’s earthly sanctuary.

There was an outer court, the holy place, and the Holy of Holies.

The first twelve chapters have been likened to the outer court, where the Lord moved among the mass of Jews, surrounded by His enemies, bearing witness to Himself, manifesting His glory in signs and wonders.

In Chapter 13 He leaves the outer court and enters the holy place surrounded by His own.

In Chapters 13-16 we see Him in sweet fellowship and concourse with His beloved disciples.

In Chapter 17 He enters into the Holy of Holies.

We see Him in sweet communion with His Father.

Chapters 13-17 are peculiar to this Gospel, they are not found in any of the others.

God chose John to write of the Deity of our Lord also to write of the eternal life which we, who have believed, have received from Him.

This abundant life, explained to a degree in the first twelve chapters, is now about to be more fully expanded and explained in Chapters 13-16.

Mention is also made of the things that accompany salvation (1) Prayer, (2) Fruit bearing, (3) The gift of the Holy Spirit, and (4) This love for one another.

Verse 1 The hour had come—the hour of His suffering-death resurrection, the hour that He would depart from this world, unto the Father.

Having loved His own etc. See Verse 34. Cp. He came unto His own.

Verse 2 We are introduced to Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son. He is mentioned twice in this chapter, Verse 2 and 29. It is recorded here that the devil put it into the heart of Judas to betray Christ. Verse 2.

The Lord in Chapter 6:70 announced that one of the twelve was a devil.

In Chapter 17:12 the Lord named him as the son of perdition—and that he was lost.

Judas called Christ Rabbi and Master but never addressed Him as “Lord.”

He did not believe in the Deity of Christ. He was an unbeliever.

In such a condition he was the perfect tool for Satan. The phrase “The devil having now put into the heart of Judas” literally means, “the devil having already dropped into the heart of Judas.” Cp. Matthew 26:14 Judas goes to the priests. What will ye give me?

Judas was present at the washing of the feet; he was present at the supper, then the Lord gave him the sop. Verse 26, Satan took possession of him Verse 27, “He went out” Verse 30 into the night.

Verses 2-20 The washing of the disciples feet

The washing of feet was a common courtesy, usually done by servants.

Peter could not tolerate the thought of the Lord washing his feet. Verse 6.

But in Verse 7 the Lord informs Peter that there is significance in His action, which at the present was hidden from, but it would be revealed to him afterward.

The “hereafter” or “afterward” means after the Holy Spirit is come, He will interpret the meaning of this action to him.

Verse 8 Peter did not profit from these words, but refused to have his feet washed.

The Lord’s reply is very significant “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me.

Verse 9 When Peter heard this statement from the Lord, he went to the other extreme, saying “Not only my feet but also my hands and my head.”

Verse 10 To this the Lord replied “He who has bathed, does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over, and you are clean, but not all of you.”

Couched in this action of the Lord there is evidently a deeper spiritual meaning than what appears on the surface.

Now that the Holy Spirit has come we know what the “washing of the disciples feet” really symbolizes.

John, in his Gospel and in his Epistles, frequently refers to Water and Blood.

Blood is for atonement. Water is for cleansing.

It is His blood that washes our sins away.

It is the water which cleanses those who belong to Him.

Chapter 19-34 Shows us that blood and water came out from the Savior’s pierced side, the emblems of atonement and cleansing.

Restate the truth

The Lord’s disciples (Judas excepted) had been born again.

The precious blood of Christ had atoned for their sin.

They were clean, the stain of guilt and sin had forever been removed.

In the same way as a person who takes a bath is clean.

The oriental returning to his home from the public baths dirtied or defiled his feet, (they wore sandals) soon reaching his house, he washed his feet again. It was not necessary to bath—he was already clean.

Keeping this in mind let us go back over the verses.

Verse 8 Peter said “Thou shalt never wash my feet.” The Lord’s answer “If I wash (bathe) thee not, thou hast no part with me.”

Verse 9 Peter said “Not only my feet, but wash my hands and my head also.”

Verse 10 Jesus answered “He that is bathed does not need to be bathed all over again, only his feet needs to be cleansed.

The Application: The Spiritual Meaning

The question of the atonement of the believer is once and forever settled. In other words the true believer has been bathed—they are clean.

His sin and his guilt has been forever put away.

The great work of regeneration is once and forever done, and cannot be repeated, in the same way as it is impossible for the same person to be born twice, naturally.

The believer is heaven bound, but as we walk through this evil age our feet become defiled, that is to say we sin, (explain) this interrupts our fellowship with the Lord. We therefore need cleansing. To use the truth of the passage before us, we need our feet washed.

We must come with our failures, imperfections, our sins and confess them. 1 John 1:9.

If this is not practiced, while we may be saved, we will know nothing of real fellowship with the Lord, we will always be at a distance.

Another lesson: Humility

The Master and the Lord had washed the servants feet.

Verse 14 Ye ought also to wash one another’s feet.

How do we wash one another’s feet?

It has not to be taken in a literal sense.

There are only two ordinances for the church.

Baptism and Breaking of Bread.

Feet washing has a true spiritual meaning.

Washing of the disciple’s feet signifies cleansing from sin, by the water of the Word of God.

Now says the Lord what I have done for you do for one another. Verse 14.

If a fellow Christian has soiled his feet, has sinned we should go after him in humility, and love and restore him.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in a spirit of meekness.

This is true feet washing.

At times like these, the towel and the basin, humility love and sympathy will accomplish more than the sword.

“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

John 14

Verse 16 The revelation of the Trinity.

Verse 17 The natural man cannot receive the Spirit (they rejected Christ), does not know him. Compare 1 Corinthians 2:10-14.

But ye know Him?

He abides not only with us but in us.

Verse 18 He came to them in His Spirit.

When we say “the Lord is here,” what we are really saying is “the Lord is present in the Spirit.”

At conversion we often say “the Lord came into my heart” what we really mean is that the Spirit of the Lord came in. “I will come to you.”

Verse 19 “The world seeth me no more.”

The last time they saw Him was on the Cross.

The next time they will see Him will be in glory and power. Revelations 19:11-16.

“But ye shall see me.”

For forty days He showed Himself to them.

“Because I live, ye shall live also.”

1 Corinthians 15:20

But now is Christ risen from the dead the first fruits of them that slept.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Verse 20 “In that day” = the day of resurrection, the day of the Spirit, “ye shall know that I am in the Father and ye in me, and I in you.”

What a glorious relationship—revealed by the Spirit.

Verse 21 Our love for the Lord is manifested by our obedience. See also Verse 23.

Verse 23 Our body as the abode of God.

“We will come unto Him, and make our abode with him.”

Expand this truth.

Verse 25 While I am with you I have told you these things.

Verse 26 When I am gone the Holy Spirit

1. Will teach you all things

2. Will bring all things to your remembrance. Draw attention to the work of the Holy Spirit in this dispensation.

Verse 27 “Peace I leave with you” = Peace with God. Romans 5:1

“My peace I give unto you” = Peace of God. Philippians 4:5

Verse 30 For the prince of this world cometh, and findeth nothing in Me = has no power over Me.

1. The temptation in the wilderness

2. Would have cast Him over the brow of the hill at Capernaum

3. The Lord rebuked Peter. “Get thee behind me Satan.”

In all these Satan had no power over Him.

These temptations were an attempt to hinder the work of redemption.

For this cause came I unto this hour, He accepted the “cup.” He loved the Father who commanded Him to do so.

Verse 31 “Arise let us go hence.”

He arises from the table in the upper room and makes His way to Gethsemane.

John 15

Verse 1 Christ is the true vine—in contrast to Israel.

Verse 2 Warning here—Beareth not fruit He take away.

Those that bare fruit—He purgeth them—He cleanseth them.

See Hebrews 12:11 = chastening.

Consider Verses 5-15.

We must be Clean. Verse 2. We must Abide. Verse 4. We must Obey. Verses 10, 12.

Verse 3 Now ye are clean through the Word.

C/p John Chapter 13.

Verse 4 Abide in me—and I in you.

The impossibility of bearing fruit apart from abiding in the vine.

Verse 5 “He that abideth in me, and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit.” Note: The stages in fruit bearing. Fruit Verse 2. More Fruit Verse 2. Much Fruit Verse 5.

Hampton Court vine.

Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear Much Fruit.

Verse 6 Difficult verse if interpreted out of context.

1. Armenians use this to defeat their erroneous doctrine of believers perishing.

2. The subject is Fruit bearing—not salvation.

Instances of men who were laid aside.

Paul’s fear Lest I become a castaway.

Mark (John)—Demas—R Scott.

The prominent word (used 6 times) is fruit. What is the fruit mentioned here?

1. Is it seeing souls saved?

2. Is it displaying more love for souls?

3. Is it in a multiplicity of meetings?

4. Is it in a display of piety?

The fruit here is Christlikeness.

Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit = Christ.

The fruit of a life with Christ is a life like Christ.

Verse 11 These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you—and that your joy might be full.

John 15:1-17

The words of this chapter are among the last to be spoken by the Lord, to His disciples, during His private ministry among them. Chapters 13 thru 17.

In the opening words of the discourse, “I am the true vine,” the Lord is contrasting Himself with Israel the “false vine.”

As the vine Israel brought God sour grapes.

As the fit tree Israel brought God leaves.

As the olive tree it was broken off.

Israel as a vine totally disappointed God.

Jeremiah 2:21

“Yet I have planted you a noble vine, wholly a right seed. How then are ye turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?”

Isaiah 5:1-7

“Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, it brought forth wild grapes.”

God pronounced His judgment upon unfruitful Israel.

“I will tell you what I will do with My vineyard: I will take away the hedge and it shall be eaten up; I will break down the wall, and it shall be trodden down.”

The fulfillment of this prophecy was about to take place. Israel was about to crown its shameful history by casting out the Son who had come to claim his vineyard. See Matthew 21:33-34.

Because Israel was unfruitful for God, (1) He took away the hedge (2) He destroyed it in A.D. 70 (3) He broke down the wall.

In contrast to this failure, the Lord said, “I am the true vine.” He satisfied God. The opened heavens.

In verse 2 we are introduced to “the branches” of the vine.

A believer becomes a branch at conversion.

A vine needs branches, without them it cannot bear fruit.

On the other hand a branch is a piece of wood brought forth by the vine for the purpose of bearing fruit.

Fruit is mentioned six times in these verses. The importance of fruit bearing.

In this story the true source of fruitfulness is made known.

Living union and close identification with Christ, who is the inexhaustible source of living waters and the fount of every blessing.

Examples:

Psalm 1

Happy is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.

Nor standeth in the way of sinners.

Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Contrast Peter’s experience. “Note Peter’s abject sorrow.”

Happy is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates in it day and night.

The results of abiding in the Lord and His Word is:

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.

He shall bring forth fruit in its season.

His leaf shall not wilt.

And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. See also 2 Corinthians 3:18. Abiding in the Vine. “But we all with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are changed” etc.

Genesis 49:22

“Joseph is a fruitful tree, even a fruitful tree by a well, where branches ran over the wall.”

“His bow abode in strength—his arms and hands were made strong by the mighty God.”

The final illustration of the Hampton Court Vine.

There are three conditions given here for a fruitful life.

1. Verse 2-3 Cleansing—purging or pruning. By the Word—Circumstances—His Servants. This can be a very painful process. Hebrews 12 “No chastening for the present” etc.

2. There is abiding Verse 4. “Abide in Me.”

This abiding in Christ, on the one hand, means that we have no unjudged or unconfessed sin in our lives. See I John I. Fellowship with the Father broken through sin.

On the other hand the “abiding one” takes all his burdens to Christ, and draws all wisdom, life and strength from Him.

Nothing is allowed in the “abiding believers” life which separates from Him.

3. There is obedience. Keep My commandments. Abide in My love. Love one another. “Better to obey than sacrifice.” The Lord said, “I come to do Thy will; of Lord.” Paul: “What wilt thou have me to do?” “Not My will but Thine be done.” Isaiah: “Here am I send me.”

For those who attain this divine standard there is a promise. See Verse 7.

What is this fruit?

1. The branch does not bear fruit for itself—but for its owner. I Corinthians 6:20 Ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and spirit, which are Gods.

2. Fruit bearing is the one thing for which we have been saved. See Verse 16.

3. The fruit the branch bears is the fruit of the vine. Metamorphosis. The believer should bear the resemblance of Christ. Transformed—changed.

4. Other kinds of fruit:

The fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23.

The fruit of winning souls. Romans 1:13.

The fruit of Christian character. Romans 6:21-22.

The fruits of righteousness. Philippians 1:11.

The secret of fruit bearing is “abiding,” mentioned eight times in 10 verses.

Note the four degrees in fruit bearing. No fruit Verse 2—Fruit Verse 2—More Fruit Verse 2—Much fruit Verse 5-8.

“Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” Verse 8 (Disciples).

John 16

The disciples warned of persecutions to come. Describe these as found in the early church period Paul the Persecutor—they hated him after his conversion.

The Middle Ages—Dark Ages in the name of religion man believers were murdered.

The future will bring another fulfillment of the words of the Lord.

The Great Tribulation

Those who believe Christ to be the Messiah will be martyred again.

The Lord told of His departure. His disciples were so overcome with sorrow that none of them asked, Whither goest thou? Verse 5. Cp Peter walking on the sea. Disciples in the boat. See 1 Corinthians 10:13.

This introduces the truth of the coming of the Spirit and illustrates His work in the unbeliever and also in the believer.

Describe this.

Verse 16 Three interpretations.

1. Cross and resurrection.

2. Cross and the Second Advent.

3. Cross and the Coming of the Comforter.

Verse 20 Verily-verily

The disciples sorrow at the time of his death.

But that sorrow will be burned into joy at His resurrection.

Verse 21 Illustrates this

We, in this age, may have sorrow etc. but when we see Him in glory we shall rejoice. We also shall forget the past.

Verse 22 I will see you again—in coming glory.

Verse 23 In that day—of His return.

Ask—no questions.

The first sentence of Verse 23 should be added to Verse 22.

Verse 24 The second sentence of Verse 23 should go with Verse 24.

Our mode of prayer after the advent of the Holy Spirit.

“In my name.” Christ as Mediator.

The saintly Gerhard spoke of prayer as follows.

The benefit of prayer is so great that it cannot be expressed.

Prayer is the dove, which, when sent out, returns again, bringing with it the olive leaf, namely peace of heart.

Prayer is the golden chain which God holds fast, and lets not go until He blesses.

Prayer is Moses’ rod, which brings forth the water of consolation out of the rock of salvation.

Prayer is Samson’s jawbone, which smites down our enemies.

Prayer is David’s harp, before which the evil spirit flies.

Prayer is the key to heavens treasures.

Verses 25-33 Records the final words in the memorable discourse of our Lord, preceding His intercessory prayer.

He had spoken to them in proverbs or figures.

All this would be changed, when He would show them the Father.

When would this be? When the Holy Spirit came.

Think of the revelation that we have received.

Galatians 4:6. Romans 8:15-16.

Verse 28 Please note this verse. Quote.

This is a most important declaration.

It is a summary of the teaching of John’s gospel.

It contains all the great facts of His Person, His Glory, and His Work.

Here we see (1) His Deity; He came forth from the Father.

(2) His Incarnation; He came into the world.

(3) His life on earth; (3) His leaving the world presupposes His sacrificial death and resurrection.

(4) His going back to the Father; His Ascension and glorification.

Verse 29-30 The disciples understood somewhat of what He spoke to them.

Verse 32 Foretells the desertion of the Lord by His disciples.

How that He would be left alone, humanly speaking but His Father would be with Him.

Verse 33 His closing words: Peace and victory in Christ.

John 17

Our Lord’s last Prayer

We have now reached the “Holy of Holies.”

It is impossible to fathom the depths or scale the height of this great prayer.

The disciples heard Him pray this prayer. Verse 1b.

“Father, the hour is come” (used 5 more times in the prayer)

This hour had been fixed by the Trione God before the foundation of the world.

1 Peter 1:20 “Who was foreordained before the foundation of the world.”

Prophet—Seer and Psalmist had spoken of and looked forward to this day.

“Glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify Thee.” Verse 1c.

These words can only be explained in anticipation of what would take place in “the hour” before Him and what would follow that hour.

His sacrificial death—His burial—His resurrection—His exaltation to the right hand of God.

The Work of God the Son in His suffering, and the glory which followed, glorifies the Father. Philippians 2.

Verse 2 Declares the fact that God the Father has given God the Son power to give eternal life to as many as God has given Him. John 1:11-13.

Consider for a moment the “Sovereignty of God” and the “Whosoever of the Gospel.” Romans 8.

Verse 3 Gives us a definition of “eternal life.”

It is a knowledge of the true God, and the Son of God Jesus Christ.

Eternal life begins at conversion—God gives to us of His own nature which is immortal, eternal.

This life is manifested in a “life of righteousness” and a walk in “fellowship with the Father and the Son.”

Verse 4 Refers to His finished work on earth. (His Life and Death)

Verse 5 This verse would be understood better by using the following interpretation.

And now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made.

Christ’s desire was, that after he had finished his earthly work, that his Father would give him back His pre-incarnate glory—the Glory of the Godhead.

After speaking to the Father about Himself, the work He finished and requesting His pre-incarnate glory He speaks of those who belong to Him.

Verse 6 I have manifested thy name.

In what way did the Lord manifest God’s name?

The Jews knew Him as Jehovah for centuries.

The Lord revealed Him as “Father.”

No inspired writer of the O.T. ever address God as Father.

We call Him Abba-Father. Romans 8:14-17. Galatians 4:6-7.

Verse 9 From the reading of this chapter one gets the impression that the real intercessory part begins here.

He makes requests for those given Him by the Father.

He prays for their sanctification—union—preservation and their glorification.

Verse 9b-10 Note the absolute oneness that exists between Father—Son and His people. See Verse 11, 20-23.

We are God’s, Verse 9. All that Christ has is God’s, and all that is God’s is Christ’s.

Note our “security” and His “Deity.”

Verse 12 The son of perdition.

John 18

The brook Kedron = the black torrent.

David passed over this same brook, weeping, after Absalom rebelled against him. 2 Samuel 15:23

David’s Lord, yet his root and offering went across the same brook, where in agony He offered up prayers, and supplications with strong crying and tears. Hebrews 5:7

Immediately on crossing the brook they were in the Garden of Gethsemane.

It was in a garden where the fall of man took place, and our Lord’s entrance into the garden marks the commencement of His great sacrificial work as the seed of the woman.

Verse 2 Judas knew this sacred place, and for 30 pieces of silver betrayed the Lord, leading the band of soldiers to the place. Verse 3

Describe briefly the miracle.

The action of Peter.

One can hardly reconcile the action of Peter, here, with his concurrent actions. See Verses 15-27.

Verse 12-14 They did not require to bind Him.

Had they known who he was—would they have bound Him?

They led Him away—Isaiah 53.

Annas was the Jewish High Priest.

Caiaphus was appointed by the Roman Procurator.

Consider his statement in John 11:49-51.

It was the voice of the politician—also the voice of God.

Verse 15-27 One must admire Peter in some ways. He and John followed the Lord (afar off). The other disciples had fled.

Hear Him speak, Chapter 13:36-37.

See Him fight, Chapter 18:10-11.

See Him follow, Chapter 18:15.

Peter loved the Lord—He wants to see what will happen to Him but does not want to speak or fight for Him anymore.

Because he chose the middle of the road—because he chose to compromise (Verse 18)—the enemy swept him off his feet and he fell into grievous error. Describe this, Peter’s denial. Verse 17, Verse 25, Verse 26-27.

We may all take a lesson from this.

Verse 19 Annas asks as to His disciples and His doctrine.

Verse 20-21 The Lords answer. An epitome spoken in dignity.

These questions were unnecessary. He taught openly in the synagogue—His disciples were with Him—they had sent people to listen to Him—never a man spoke like this man.

Verse 22 One of the court officers, enraged by our Lord’s dignity and with the truth of His answer, struck Jesus a blow on the face. The first recorded during His passion.

Verse 23 Is the dignified, calm and perfect answer to his assailant. Quote.

Peter’s description of this. See 1 Peter 2:21-25

Jesus Before Pilate

John passes over much of the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin and before Caiaphus.

John concentrates more on the trial before Pilate.

These events took place relentlessly throughout the night.

They pushed mercilessly through with this trial.

It was early, Verse 28, when they brought Him before Pilate, that is it was between daybreak and sunrise.

They themselves would not enter into the judgment hall lest they be defiled (Verse 28) and be disqualified form eating the Passover. Selah!!!

Pilate found no fault in this man, Verse 38.

Pilate wanted to release Him, Verses 39-40.

The people, coerced by the rulers, cried out, “Not this man but Barabbas.”

The prayer of the Lord contains seven requests.

1. The Lord asks that He may be glorified, Verse 1.

2. He asks for the restoration of His eternal glory, Verse 5.

3. He asks for the safety of believers, Verse 11

A. From the work, 1 John 2:15-17

B. From the evil one Verse 15, 1 John 5:19.

4. He asks for the sanctification of believers, Verse 17. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Set apart to God—from evil things and ways. Holy Spirit.

5. He asks for the spiritual unity of believers with one another and with God, Verse 21-23.

6. He asks that the world may believe, Verse 21.

7. He asks that the believers may be with Him in heaven to behold and share his glory, Verse 24.

Verse 18 The Christian’s mission—Sent into the world “As the Father hath sent me even so send I you” John 20:21.

Verse 24 Christ’s prayer for us—To be with Him—to behold His glory.

John’s account of the arrest of the Lord varies considerably from that of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

They speak of the agony in the Garden.

Luke alone reports the blood-like sweat—restoring the ear of Malchus.

John passes over all this, he is not so much concerned with the manhood of the Lord as with the glory of the Christ, the Son of God. Judas’ Betrayal See Psalm 54:12-14. Judas’ kiss.

John alone records the incident of Verse 4 thru 6.

Shows the real character of the Lord—His Power—His Grace.

Verse 10 Simon Peter getting in the way again—Get thee behind me Satan. Peter possibly meant to kill Malchus—The Lord restored his ear.

Verse 11 The Lord’s determination to drink the cup of God’s wrath; sin against.

Verses 12-14 Annas was the Jews High Priest but was deposed in favor of Caiaphus by the Romans.

Verses 15-24 Peter’s denial of the Lord.

Followed afar off—He loved the Lord.

John 19

Compare Verses 1-3 with Isaiah 53:5.

Consider also Verse 14 of Chapter 52. See from His head, His hands, His feet.

Pilates’ Dilemma

He scourged Jesus in the hope that it would satisfy the wrath of the Jews.

He found no fault in Him Verse 4, Verse 6. Sought to release Him Verse 12-19-38.

Behold the Man Verse 5. Behold the Lamb Chapter 1:29.

Ecce Homo. Ecce Deus. Behold your God.

Picture Him as He stood before His people.

Their reaction: Crucify Him.

Verse 9 Jesus gave him no answer. Isaiah 53:7

Verse 11 The greater sin. Pilate was ignorant. The Jews were not.

Verse 12 Pilate sought to release Him. Pilate’s wife’s dream.

Verse 15 Pilate’s last attempt to save Jesus. Pilate’s end.

The Crucifixion

Christ bearing His Cross to Calvary.

The actual crucifixion. Darkness—Cry—Rending of the evil. Earthquake. Centurion’s confession.

“They took His garments” Verse 23. Psalm 22:18

The devotion of the Mary’s Verse 25.

I thirst Verse 28. See Psalm 69:21.

Verse 31 Not a bone of Him shall be broken.

See Exodus 12:46 and Psalm 34:20.

They shall look on Him whom they pierced, Zechariah 12:10.

Verse 38 Secret disciples come forth.

Joseph—Nicodemus.

John 21

verses 1-2—There seemed to be seven disciples together at this time. Some of their names are mentioned.

verse 3—Simon Peter said, “I am going fishing.” The others said, “We will go with you.” They immediately entered into a boat. The sequel—they toiled all night and caught nothing.

From the natural standpoint, this was a natural thing to do. From the spiritual point of view, it was a fruitless mission. It was the work of self-will. It was a classic example of human leadership. There is no record of them praying, and consequently they were out of the will of God, their efforts were fruitless.

The lesson here is that human efforts are useless apart from the help of God. The episode would illustrate the folly of prayerless service, especially in the matter of fishing for souls. See Joshua 7.

Fishing speaks of evangelism. Shepherding speaks of teaching and pastoral care.

verse 16—For the second time the Lord asked Peter if he loved Him. Using agapao. Peter could not trust himself to answer in the affirmative and answered, “You know that I am fond of you.” The Lord replied, “Tend My sheep.” There are lambs and sheep in Christ’s flock and they need the love and care of one who loves the Shepherd.

verse 17—Just as Peter had denied the Lord three times, he was given three opportunities to confess Him.

He was asked the third time if He loved the Lord. At this time the Lord used the word phileo, in essence He asked, “Simon, son of Jonah, are you fond of Me?” Peter replied, “Lord, you know all things, you know that I am very fond of you.” For the last time he was told that he could demonstrate his love by feeding Christ’s sheep.

One of the main lessons here is that love for Christ is the only acceptable motive for serving Him.