Title: Presence, Power & Prayer Text:  John 14:7-14 Theme: Because of the unity of the Trinity, the work of Jesus continues through the Church today. Teaching Notes: On the eve of his death, Jesus reassures his disciples that they already know the Father because they know him – and he claims ontological unity and equality with the Father (and the Spirit) as part of the Trinity. Because he’s going away, and will send the Spirit, the Church can continue to live and pray with power. The Gospel of the Kingdom will expand, not shrink. And prayers that align with his...

Title: The Way Text:  John 13:36-14:6 Theme: The only way home to the Father is not through our performance for God, but through Jesus’ performance for us. Teaching Notes: Peter wants to follow Jesus wherever he goes. And he’s confident he has what it takes to lay down his life for Jesus. (Spoiler alert: he doesn’t.) Thomas speaks for all the disciples, admitting he doesn’t know where Jesus is going or how to get there. Religion tries to answer this question and bridge this gap by telling you the way to God is through your performance. Jesus claims he is...

Title: A New Commandment Text:  John 13:31-35 Theme: In light of the paradox of the Cross, Christians must be defined by our sacrificial love for one another. Teaching Notes: Why does Jesus say the hour for him to be glorified has come if he’s headed to a gruesome death on a cross? Why does he say the disciples can’t come with him? What does he mean when he says the command to love one another is “new”? How can we love each other as Jesus has first loved us? Click on link below: Notes and Questions for Life Application

Title: The Traitor Text:  John 13:18-30 Theme: Beware betraying your only hope of life and salvation. Teaching Notes: At the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus prophesied that one of them who ate his bread would be a traitor. Judas is subsequently identified, though most of the disciple seemed unaware of his intention to betray Jesus. This message goes back chronologically in the story of Judas to uncover the roots of his treacherous heart and to serve as a cautionary tale for others. Click on link below: Notes and Questions for Life Application

Title: Servant Jesus Text:  John 13:1-17 Theme: Let the humble, servant-minded love of Christ shape you into a humble, servant-minded lover of others. Teaching Notes: During the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus rose from the table, poured a basin of water, and began to wash their feet. This prompts an awkward exchange with Peter, where he first denies the Lord the opportunity to wash his feet, then asks him to wash all of him. Jesus concludes by commanding the disciples to do for one another what he had done to them. This sermon unpacks the meaning of both the...

Title: Walk in the Light Text:  John 12:35-50 Theme: Walk in the light of Jesus before it’s too late. Teaching Notes: In Jesus’ last public address to the crowds, he claims to have an intimate, one-of-a-kind relationship with the Father and he invites people to believe in the light and walk in the light. Most of the people continue on the same path and are actually hardened in their unbelief, while others wrestle with just how closely they want to be associated with Jesus. Click on link below: Notes and Questions for Life Application

Title: It’s Go time Text:  John 12:20-34 Theme: You are saved by the cross-shaped life of Jesus to live a cross-shaped life. Teaching Notes: “The hour” that Jesus has been waiting for has finally come: it’s nearly time for him to present himself as the full and final Passover sacrifice. He must die in order to bear much fruit for eternity. He must be lifted up on a cross before he can be lifted up to his glorious, exalted status as King of the nations. And every true disciple must follow him on the path of self-denial and service. Click...

Title: Hijacking Jesus Text:  John 12:12-19 Theme: Stop using Jesus and start worshiping him instead. Teaching Notes: When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on what’s now known as “Palm Sunday,” he was greeted by crowds that were filled with nationalistic fervor. They ignored Jesus’ true mission to lay down his life and they tried to make him king on their own terms. But Jesus wouldn’t stoop to their demands. He wouldn’t save the Jews from the Gentiles; he would give his life to save both Jews and Gentiles. Click on link below: Notes and Questions for Life Application

Title: Anointing Jesus Text:  John 11:55-12:11 Theme: Jesus is worthy to be and to receive your greatest treasure. Teaching Notes: As the Passover approaches, many people gather in Jerusalem, and the religious leaders plan to arrest Jesus. Jesus goes to Bethany, where He is honored with a dinner at the home of Lazarus. During the meal, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, a gesture of love and preparation for His burial. Judas criticizes her for wasting the perfume, but Jesus commends her. Click on link below: Notes and Questions for Life Application

Title: The Inside-Out Kingdom Text:  Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18 Theme: True righteousness comes from sincere hearts that seek to please God rather than others. Teaching Notes: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us that there is a right and a wrong way to live in his kingdom. The right way – a life transformed from the inside-out – leads to righteousness, reward, and satisfaction in the Father. The wrong way leaves us enslaved to a never-ending hunger foroutside approval. Jesus challenges us to examine our motives and to satiate our souls with God’s goodness. Click on link below: Notes...