BULLETIN 25 - ST. JOHN'S GOSPEL
BULLETIN 25 - ST. JOHN'S GOSPEL, Stuart Dunstan
It has been stated that the books credited to St John the apostle have some of the most illuminating information in the bible concerning Jesus Christ and God and our relationship to them. This presentation paraphrases some of the important matters prior to the crucifixion. The brevity of this does not negate its great importance as a communication of CHRIST to His disciples, prior to the arrest and crucifixion. Its importance in Christianity still holds today.
At the last Supper, Jesus predicts his betrayal and also Peter's denial of his association. 13:38Jesus said that he was returning to the Father and that the disciples could also go there later on -The disciple Thomas said, " Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Show us the Father and that will be enough." 14;:5-11Jesus rebuked Thomas for his failure to understand, despite their length of association. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him."Jesus said, "I am the true vine and God is the gardener, while every branch that does not bear fruit in me he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." 15::1-6
16:12-15 Jesus promises, the Holy Spirit will come to the disciples (excepting for Judas.) He cautions that the Holy Spirit is not of the world and therefore is not recognised by it; it neither sees him nor knows Him. "But you know Him because He lives within you and will be with you. Before long the world will not see me anymore but you will see me. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me, and I am in you. He who loves me will be loved by the Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.""If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Councillor, the Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything, I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." CONCLUDING: This message that Jesus left with the disciples before the crucifixion is of the most significant importance to Christian believers. He lives in them and those in Him.
AMEN. srd .