Benisse, that idea to have a ring to remind you to pray is a good one. Thank you for sharing!
I got a little caught up in things, so I'm posting the last two chapters together.
John Chapter 16
• Who is mentioned?
- Jesus, the unbelieving world, the remaining disciples, the Holy Spirit, and the Father.
• What does the text say?
- Jesus tells His disciples more plainly what will happen: that they will be banned from the synagogue and could be killed. The Counselor (Holy Spirit) will come to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
- Jesus explains that He is going away, but that He will come back and that their sorrow will be turned to joy. This was a hard thing for the disciples to accept, they had come to follow Jesus because of His miracles, but now they will have to put His teachings into practice. Jesus compares them their grief to a woman having a baby, telling them that, yes, suffering will happen, but it will become better.
• When did (will) it happen?
- Jesus was teaching them the night before His crucifixion.
• Where did (will, should) it happen?
- Either the Upper room or the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Why did (will, should) it happen?
- So that God’s plan of salvation would be fulfilled.
• How would you outline this text?
- Jesus predicts persecution of His followers after He leaves, but He also promises hope. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (v33, NIV)
Y-our application:
• What will I do?
- I will pray more.
• When will I do it?
- When I am tempted, instead of just falling in the trap of using reason alone, I will also pray that God will take the temptation away.
• Where will I do it?
- Wherever I am when I am tempted.
John Chapter 17
A-sk:
• Who is mentioned?
- Jesus speaks to the Father about Himself, the disciples, and all believers.
• What does the text say?
- Jesus asks for God’s glory to be shown through Him. (v1-5)
- Jesus outlines His ministry to the disciples, He prays that they will be protected from evil and that they will have joy. (v6-19)
- Jesus prays for all believers, that we will be unified in God, so that the world will know that Jesus was sent by God. (v20-26)
• When did (will) it happen?
- The night that Jesus was arrested.
• Where did (will, should) it happen?
The Garden of Gethsemane.
• Why did (will, should) it happen?
- Jesus’ prayer is recorded so that we would know His heart.
• How would you outline this text?
- Jesus is our intercessor.
Y-our application: Apply what you learned to your life today. Ask God, "What would You like me to do today?" While praying, make a practical plan by answering the following questions:
• What will I do?
- Pray that I will be a better example to my co-workers and neighbors.
• When will I do it?
- Today.
• Where will I do it?
- At home.
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." - John 14:6-7a
Hi Hermia, Thanks for sharing your John 16 and 17 highlights. These are challenging chapters!
Benisse
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John 17 P-R-A-Y
P-ray
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for your example in gifting your followers with your prayers as a parting legacy before the Cross. Instead of getting stuck in anticipation of your coming agony and betrayal, you thought of us, praying for our protection and the Father’s care, and for your unity to characterize our relationships. Rather than being paralyzed by fear, you focused on glorifying God. May your teaching and truth sink deep into our hearts giving us a commitment to seek to glorify You and accomplish the task you have laid out for us today no matter what challenges face us. Make us pure and holy by your word and help us to be agents of change in the world so that others may see that You are indeed from God and that the others will accept Jesus because they see how we love and care for one another.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
R-ead and A-sk
Wow… Jesus' last gift to his disciples before the Cross was his prayer for them…
& he prayed for me/us too (17:20)!
Outline - Jesus’ Parting Gift: Prayer
1-5 time for glory:
- for the Son, and to the Father
- the gift of eternal life
- knowing God/Jesus Christ = eternal life
6-8 time for gifts:
- entrusting His own, who keep His word, back to the Father
- all I (Jesus) have is a gift from the Father
- Christ gave His words to the disciples, who accepted them, and believed in Him
9-19 time for prayer for the disciples
- for the Father's care and protection
- for their unity
- for their safety from the evil one
- make them pure and holy by teaching them Your words of truth
- may they be entirely yours
20-26 time for prayer for future believers through their testimony
- that they may be one even as the Son and the Father are one
so the world will know Jesus is from God
so the world will understand you love them
- so that those that believe in Him may see His glory and be with Him
- so that His love may be in them and I (Jesus) will be in them
Key verse: 17:11
Now I am departing the world. I am leaving them behind and coming to you. Holy Father, keep them and care for them – all those you have given me – so that they will be united just as we are.
Application: Prayer requests
1. Help me grow in prayer that it will be the power that infuses and shapes my day rather than something to fall back on when I don’t know what else to do.
2. In times of crisis, help me to focus on the task you have set before me that I may seek to glorify you above all.
3. Help me to pray big, not just getting locked into details – Help me pray in tune with your heart and vision, and join you in your ongoing prayers.
To help me pray these requests, I have printed this study out and will carry it with me to review before I start the car this coming week or when I am waiting in line, etc.
