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Bible Study for Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 22nd |
Read John 14:23-29
Jesus continues his final instructions to his disciples at his last supper before his death. He has already washed the feet of his disciples and given them a new commandment to love one another. As a teacher who loves his students, Jesus gently prepares them for the time when he will not be with them. It is clear to Jesus that he needs to go and prepare a place for them.
But Jesus is committed to not leaving the disciples alone. Take a moment and read through John 14. Jesus explains with great compassion his expectations for his followers after he has departed. Again the theme is love, but with an emphasis on the fruits of love. He urges each disciple to keep his commandments as an expression of love. They are not obligated to do so, but love compels people to act in such ways to complement and reflect favorably on the loved one.
In John 14:23, Jesus makes a reference to his Father and himself making a home with those who keep the commandments. This Greek word used for “home” is used only twice in the New Testament and both times are found in John 14. First, Jesus uses the word in John 14:2 to express the heavenly dwelling places within his Father’s house. In verse 23, Jesus uses the word to describe God settling in our lives while on this earth. Consequently, by using the same word, Jesus connects our heavenly home with God and God at home in us on this earth. Imagine, God setting up residence in your life.
Jesus teaches and expects those who love Jesus will bear fruit. In order to so, followers of Jesus need to stay close to his teachings and ways. But this teaching is not solely made by Jesus; instead he speaks on behalf of his Father in heaven.
Jesus speaks to his disciples as one who has lived among them, sharing their joys and troubles of this life. But soon Jesus will depart from them. He knows that. Thus, his gift to them is the Holy Spirit, often called Advocate or Helper. They need not fear because they will not be alone. The Spirit will continue to teach, remind, encourage, and give them peace. Yet, the peace given is not a removal from troubled times. Jesus knows the coming days will bring agony and grief to his followers. He hopes his words of preparation will assure his disciples of the active presence and plan of God.
Prayer
Come O Advocate; Come Holy Spirit, Come set up residence in our lives. Keep us closely connected to the teachings of Jesus. Hold us steadfast in faith. Give us peace; and take away our fears. In Christ, we pray. Amen
Jesus continues his final instructions to his disciples at his last supper before his death. He has already washed the feet of his disciples and given them a new commandment to love one another. As a teacher who loves his students, Jesus gently prepares them for the time when he will not be with them. It is clear to Jesus that he needs to go and prepare a place for them.
But Jesus is committed to not leaving the disciples alone. Take a moment and read through John 14. Jesus explains with great compassion his expectations for his followers after he has departed. Again the theme is love, but with an emphasis on the fruits of love. He urges each disciple to keep his commandments as an expression of love. They are not obligated to do so, but love compels people to act in such ways to complement and reflect favorably on the loved one.
- How does following the commandments of Jesus help people to love?
- How easy is it for humans to follow the commandments of Jesus?
In John 14:23, Jesus makes a reference to his Father and himself making a home with those who keep the commandments. This Greek word used for “home” is used only twice in the New Testament and both times are found in John 14. First, Jesus uses the word in John 14:2 to express the heavenly dwelling places within his Father’s house. In verse 23, Jesus uses the word to describe God settling in our lives while on this earth. Consequently, by using the same word, Jesus connects our heavenly home with God and God at home in us on this earth. Imagine, God setting up residence in your life.
- Describe what it means for God to make a home within you.
- What does that type of home look like?
Jesus teaches and expects those who love Jesus will bear fruit. In order to so, followers of Jesus need to stay close to his teachings and ways. But this teaching is not solely made by Jesus; instead he speaks on behalf of his Father in heaven.
- Is this a reasonable expectation? Why or why not?
- How do the life and teachings of Jesus help clarify God’s word?
Jesus speaks to his disciples as one who has lived among them, sharing their joys and troubles of this life. But soon Jesus will depart from them. He knows that. Thus, his gift to them is the Holy Spirit, often called Advocate or Helper. They need not fear because they will not be alone. The Spirit will continue to teach, remind, encourage, and give them peace. Yet, the peace given is not a removal from troubled times. Jesus knows the coming days will bring agony and grief to his followers. He hopes his words of preparation will assure his disciples of the active presence and plan of God.
- How might the disciples have felt as they listened to the words by Jesus?
- Compare the kind of peace given by this world to the peace described by Jesus in John 14:27.
Prayer
Come O Advocate; Come Holy Spirit, Come set up residence in our lives. Keep us closely connected to the teachings of Jesus. Hold us steadfast in faith. Give us peace; and take away our fears. In Christ, we pray. Amen
Prayer Petitions for this week
These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
- Remember in prayer the conflict in Ethiopia, which has caused displacement, suffering and loss of life among the most vulnerable — women, children and older adults. Pray for relief, hope and strength for those who have been impacted and for an end to the violence and ethnic discrimination. Give thanks for the relief work of Lutheran World Relief and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, and for the financial support of Lutheran Disaster Response.
-Ask the Spirit to stir our enthusiasm for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world, that all people might know the boundless love of God that renews and unites us as siblings in Christ.
-Pray that we might not grow weary or apathetic about the needs of our neighbor, especially when their difficulties and situations seem complicated, overwhelming or distant from us. Ask the Spirit to nurture within us love and concern that are enduring, impartial and wise.
-Praise God for everything that brings joy, hope, encouragement or brightness into our lives.
-Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Pacifica, Greater Milwaukee, Southeastern Iowa and Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders, proclaim the gospel, serve our neighbor and do God’s work in the world.
-Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assembly of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders, proclaim the gospel, serve our neighbor and do God’s work in the world.
-Promise to respond to those we encounter who are struggling, homeless, lonely, grieving or ill; ask the Spirit to encourage, equip and guide us when we feel ill-equipped to love and care for our neighbor.
- Remember in prayer the conflict in Ethiopia, which has caused displacement, suffering and loss of life among the most vulnerable — women, children and older adults. Pray for relief, hope and strength for those who have been impacted and for an end to the violence and ethnic discrimination. Give thanks for the relief work of Lutheran World Relief and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, and for the financial support of Lutheran Disaster Response.
-Ask the Spirit to stir our enthusiasm for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world, that all people might know the boundless love of God that renews and unites us as siblings in Christ.
-Pray that we might not grow weary or apathetic about the needs of our neighbor, especially when their difficulties and situations seem complicated, overwhelming or distant from us. Ask the Spirit to nurture within us love and concern that are enduring, impartial and wise.
-Praise God for everything that brings joy, hope, encouragement or brightness into our lives.
-Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Pacifica, Greater Milwaukee, Southeastern Iowa and Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders, proclaim the gospel, serve our neighbor and do God’s work in the world.
-Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assembly of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders, proclaim the gospel, serve our neighbor and do God’s work in the world.
-Promise to respond to those we encounter who are struggling, homeless, lonely, grieving or ill; ask the Spirit to encourage, equip and guide us when we feel ill-equipped to love and care for our neighbor.
Lent 2020 -
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In Jesus’ day, women were generally silent, and rarely if ever seen, and are generally nameless. We hear about the Canaanite woman, or the Samaritan woman, or they are identified by their relationship to a man such as Jairus’s daughter or Simon’s mother-in-law. So the very inclusion of women in the gospel texts is remarkable. Yet these women are a part of our history and a part of Jesus’ story. This Lenten season, we will explore a different woman’s story each week.
Introduction to Lent 2020 and Women's Encounters with Jesus Week 1 - The Canaanite Woman: Matthew 15:21-28 Week 2 - Martha and Mary: Luke 10:38-42 Week 3 - A Bent Woman, Daughter of Abraham: Luke 13:10-17 Week 4 - A Woman Accused of Adultery: John 7:53-8:11 Week 5 - A Woman anoints Jesus for Burial - Matthew 26:6-13 |
Lent 2019 -
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Jesus often taught the crowds through powerful stories that feel just as contemporary today as they did 2000 years ago. These wonderful stories allow us to see the world of the first century through the eyes of first century followers of Jesus. Join us on this journey through 5 parables from the Gospel of Luke as we peel back the layers to discover how these parables simultaneously comfort and challenge us. Dig into the culture of the original hearers of these stories that challenge our assumptions about God, the world, our neighbors, and ourselves.
Once Upon a Time: The Beauty and Challenge of Story Week 1 - Are All Samaritans Good? Week 2 - Lost Things Week 3 - A Lost Son Week 4 - A Lost Brother Week 5 - A Feast for the Ones the World Forgot Reflections on Holy Week |
Lent 2018 |
The gospel of John tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection in a poignant, dramatic, and unique voice. In this Lenten Bible study, you are invited to enter into John’s world and encounter those who were a part of Jesus’ final days.
Introduction to the Gospel of John Week 1 – Nicodemus: Journey from Darkness to Light Week 2 – Judas: Journey to the Dark Side Week 3 – Peter: Journey to Understanding Week 4 – Mary Magdalene: Journey to Life Week 5 – The Beloved Disciple: Our Journey to Faithfulness |
Advent 2017 |
Pastor Joanne made a series of videos with a message for each week of the Advent season. Please follow this link to see those messages
Advent videos 2017 |
