John 15:9-17 - This is one of Jesus' last times to teach his disciples, the twelve. He's wrapping up His ministry here. He tells them that they have graduated, from servant to friend since He's taught them everything God taught Him. And what is His final instruction? Watch over the doctrine of the church, keep it pure? No. Watch over the flock, make sure no one uncommitted gets in? No. Determinedly study the scriptures and know them like the back of your hand? No. He says, simply:
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.and
This is my command: Love each other. (vs. 12 & 17)Why, then, do we so passionately pursue those other things and treat our relationships in the church so casually?
John 15:18 - I have always loved that verse.
John 15:26 - The spirit is there to teach us about God. It is through God's spirit within us that God is revealed.
John 16:7 - I've never looked at this scripture quite like this. Jesus says that it's good that He leaves them so that they can receive the spirit. The implication here is that it is better for us to have the spirit than to physically be with Jesus. Often we say, "Oh, what it must have been like to live with Jesus!", but Jesus says here that it is better to live with the spirit that with Jesus! We have it better than the Apostles.
John 16:13 - The spirit will guide us into all truth. He's there to relay information to us from God.
John 16:33 - I need these words of encouragement. It seems at times that the world is taking over me. Materialism and greed, pride and selfishness. But Jesus has overcome the world.
Wow, that John 16:7 is a pretty strong and heavy outlook. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!