John 14 and 15

Step 1: Read John chapters 14-15 and take notes on what stands out to you.

Step 2: Consider answering some or all of the questions below (may these be a blessing, and not a burden)

Optional Study Questions

1. Re-read John 14:7-14. The word “know” is used 141 times in the Gospel of John and has 4-5 different meanings. In this section, the word “know” means to have “deep communion.” Jesus makes a lot of claims of how He should be known to the disciples at this point. What evidence does Jesus give for his claims in these verses?
2. 1. Optional: see John 1:14, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12:10-11, Matthew 7:7
3. Re-read John 14:15-27. What do we learn about the Holy Spirit in 14:16-17 and 25-27?
4. 1. Optional: see Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Titus 3:5, Philippians 4:7, Isaiah 41:10
5. Re-read John 15:1-11. Jesus repeats the phrases “remain in me” and “love and bear fruit.” How do you think these are related?
6. How do we know what is false and what is true? Jesus is basically telling us, “the proof is in the pudding.” A bowl of pudding may look great to the eye, but we really have to taste it to know what it is made of. John 15 tells us we have to remain in Him to produce good “fruit” in our lives.  Good fruit comes from abiding in the Truth. A TV show or website may look great on the outside, but what does it produce on the inside of you? When people are around you, do you experience the “good fruit” of Jesus, or does it produce something less desirable inside of you?
7. 1. Optional: see Jeremiah 2:21, Hebrews 12:10-11, Galatians 2:20, Psalm 37:4
8. Re-read John 15: 12-17 and use it to help fill in the blanks below of some things Jesus told the disciples about what it takes to be His friend.

1. Do what I _______________________
2. Everything I learned from my ___________, I have made ____________ to you
3. I have ____________ you to _________ and _________ fruit
4. _________ each other
5. Optional: dig a little deeper and check out: Romans 12:10, Ephesians 5:2, Psalm 25:14, 1 Peter 2:17

Heart Questions

1. Looking back, have you grown in “knowing the Father” as it relates to the description in Question 1 above (having deep communion)? If yes, how do you maintain and continue to grow in deep communion?
2. How can the Holy Spirit help us when we are troubled? Have you sensed an opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to give you “peace of mind and heart” this last month? Describe what it felt like and what you did.