Jesus is walking with his disciples and teaching them about his relationship with the Father, with the Holy Spirit, and with his disciples. In today’s reading, we’ll hear Jesus pray for himself, for his disciples, and for all those believers who come after them. This section is often called “the high priestly prayer,” as Jesus is interceding for those whom he loves based on his status before the Father. Directly following this prayer, Jesus will be betrayed by Judas Iscariot into the hands of the Jews who wished to put him to death, including the chief priests, Pharisees, and a company of soldiers. As such, this prayer serves as a kind of parting of ways, as Jesus will now face the cross.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Christ has introduced his disciples to the inner workings of the trinity and what must take place in the near future so that God’s will might be fulfilled. At the end of our last episode, we had a brief introduction to the Holy Spirit, whom Christ calls “the Counselor.” Today, Jesus says that he must return to the Father, because if he doesn’t go away, the Counselor will not come. Later, he explains to his disciples that they will be sad for a while, but their sorrow will be turned to joy, for he will see them again. His disciples we endure hardship and persecution, but Christ encourages them by reminding them to be courageous, for he has conquered the world.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Jesus continues to teach his disciples after they have celebrated the Passover, and at this point they are on their way to the Mount of Olives. During this discourse, Jesus emphasize relationships within the Trinity and today he’ll expand to include the relationship between the Triune Godhead and Christ’s disciples. Jesus begins by saying that his disciples are the branches and that he is the vine; they will only grow and bear fruit if they remain in Christ. His disciples are to relate to one another in the love of Christ, remaining in that love. Remaining in Christ means that they will also be persecuted because of their association with him, for those who hate Christ also hate his followers and his Father who sent him. At the end of the chapter, Jesus begins to teach on the Holy Spirit, which will continue in chapter 16.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Jesus and his disciples are in the upper room celebrating the Passover, and up until this point, Jesus has washed the disciples’ feet, predicted the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter, and has commanded them to love one another. Jesus is preparing to leave his earthly ministry and return to the Father, and as such is the case, he gives his disciples further insight into his relationship with the Father and with the Holy Spirit. Over the next few chapters, Jesus will talk about the inner workings of the Trinity, expounding upon the relationship between the three members of the Godhead.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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The time of the Passover has come, and Jesus has gathered with his disciples in the upper room where he will institute the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. Before that happens, Jesus humbles himself before his disciples, takes the job of a servant upon himself, and begins to wash their feet. This act of service is confusing to Peter, who refuses to receive it at first, then asks to be washed entirely. After predicting that one of the men breaking bread with him would betray him, Jesus commands his disciples to love one another, just as he has loved them. This is how the world will know those who follow Jesus. Our reading concludes with Jesus predicting that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crows.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Our chapter begins in a home in Bethany of Judea just before the Passover celebration takes place in Jerusalem. Jesus is there with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, the latter of which washes the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume and with her hair, a decidedly lavish and humble act. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the chief priests plot to kill Lazarus because he is evidence of Christ’s power and authority. Later, Jesus enters Jerusalem with great fanfare as the crowds greet him with excitement and anticipation. While Jesus prophecies of his coming execution, God the Father speaks to Jesus audibly so that the crowd might hear. Our reading concludes with a summary of Jesus’ mission.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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In today’s episode, we’ll consider the seventh of seven signs in John’s gospel: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. When Jesus hears the news that his friend is sick, he doesn’t leave immediately, but instead, he waits to days before travelling to Judea to see him. Remember, they recently left Judea because the Jews tried to stone Jesus when he was in Jerusalem. Upon entering Bethany of Judea, Christ is greeted by Martha, and after a brief exchange, Jesus tells her that he is the resurrection and the life, and shortly thereafter, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This undeniable miracle infuriates the Pharisees who convene and conspire to kill him.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Jesus has rebuked the Pharisees for being spiritually blind, though they claim to be the spiritual leaders of God’s people. Jesus is not like these men: he is the good shepherd who knows his sheep, calls them by name, and lays down his life for them. During the Festival of Dedication, which we know as Hanukkah, Jesus is cornered by Jews who demand that he plainly say whether or not he is the Messiah. Jesus responds by saying that his sheep know his voice, and that they don’t believe because they aren’t his sheep. They try to seize him, but escapes their grasp and retreats across the Jordan where John had been baptizing.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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