Prayer of an accomplished mission

John 17:1-8

¹After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. ²For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. ⁴I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. ⁵And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

⁶"I have revealed you^[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. ⁷Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. ⁸For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.

1. Central theme

Content

1. Jesus prays to God, asking that glory be brought upon the Father and the Son (v. 1)
2. Jesus prays for the authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all (v. 2)
3. Jesus declares: ³Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent (v. 3)
4. Jesus has already accomplished his mission and asks to be glorified in God`s presence (v. 4-5)
5. Jesus reveals God to those whom God has given him, and taught them to obey (v. 6-8)

Main theme

1. Prayer of an accomplished mission
2. Share in the glory of God

2. Who is God, Jesus, Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ, who prays to God (v. 1)
2. Jesus, who is about to be crucified (v. 2)
3. God, who glorifies Jesus (v. 2)
4. Jesus, who glorifies God (v.2, v. 4)
5. Jesus, who holds authority over life (v. 2)
6. Jesus, who grant eternal life (v. 2)
7. The one and only true God (v. 3)
8. God, who sent Jesus to Earth (v. 3)
9. Jesus, who has accomplished his mission (v. 4)
10. Jesus, who was with God and shared in His glory before the world began (v. 5)
11. Jesus, who revealed God to the people (v. 6)
12. Jesus, who came from God (v. 8)

3. Lessons for me (commandment, promise, example, rebuke, warning)

The content recorded in these verses occurred when Jesus was about to part from his disciples. Jesus was praying to God. The content in verses 1 to 8 talks about Jesus accomplishing the mission that God sent him to Earth for. It was sort of like a report to God. In verses 9-26, Jesus prayed for others, including his disciples.

1. The timeframe set by God

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. (v. 1)

While Jesus was still on Earth, he often referred to time, either saying it is not time yet or the time has come. The time here referred to the time that God has set, including Jesus’ birth, crucifixion and resurrection. The whole plan was set by God, and not a coincidence. Therefore following the schedule that God has set became very important. Just as in baking bread, we need to bake it just right; we can’t over or under bake it. God does not only have a plan for Jesus, He also has one for you and I.

Reflection: If God has a plan for me, have I learn to follow God’s will in everything, and following God’s plan?

2. Sharing the authority with God

For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. (v. 2)

Jesus was with God before the world began, shared in His glory, and worked with God. In addition, Jesus also has the same holiness and authority as God, the authority over people and to grant them eternal life.

3. Sharing in God’s glory

And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. (v. 5)

In his prayer, Jesus asked: “Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you” (v. 1). From this, we can see that this glory dates to before the world began. They share the glory for they are one.

4. Meaning of eternal life

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (v. 3)

Here, Jesus emphasized that the meaning of eternal life is that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. In the Bible, to “know” not only includes the rational sense, but has also an intimate meaning. Just as it was recorded in Genesis 4:1: “Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain”. In the original text, the world lay was “to know”. Thus, to know God, to know Jesus and to have an intimate relationship with them signifies to have eternal life.

Reflection: Is my understanding of God and of Jesus still at a rational level or do I have an intimate relationship with them?

5. Knowing the source of glory

In this passage, the world glory appears 5 times, yet each time it is connected to God. So obviously, there isn’t much glory in sinners. Yet, through God’s grace and mercy, all of the things that we can claim glory to comes from Him.

Reflection: Was there anything that I felt brought glory? Was it connected to God? If not, then it most likely was just vanity.

6. Recognizing the symbol of glory

When Jesus mentioned “the time has come, be glorified”, in reality he hinted toward his suffering and crucifixion. Through this, he was to accomplish God’s plan for the salvation of mankind, so that God’s name would be glorified. God transformed a symbol of humiliation and suffering – the cross, into a symbol of glory.

Reflection: glory comes from suffering – the spirit of the cross. As a Christian, do I truly understand this? Have I carried the cross alongside Jesus?

7. Teach God’s word

For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. (v. 8)

One of Jesus’ main tasks on Earth was to teach God’s word to the people. Thus, it meant to teach the disciples as well as the people to truly understand and obey God’s word, and thus knowing that Jesus came from God. Jesus valued God’s word, and so should we. The believers should long for God’s word. The church should preach and spread God’s word.

Reflection: How’s my relationship with God’s true word – the Bible. Do I long for it? Do I learn from it every day? Or does it not apply to me?

8. Example of prayer

Throughout Jesus’ life, he not only taught people to pray (Luke 18:1), but he himself prayed often as well (Matthew 14:23). Jesus usually used prayer to face the different stages of his life, such as the prayer of baptism (Luke), the prayer before the calling of the disciples (Luke 6:12), his prayer before he parted with the disciples (John 17:1-26), the prayer before his capture (Luke 22:44), the prayer before his death (Luke 23:46). Thus, regarding prayer, Jesus left us wonderful examples.

Reflection: How is my relationship with God? Where is God in my life? Do I live a life full prayer? Especially regarding the important decisions in life, do pray and seek and wait for God or do I ignore God completely?

4. My prayer and application

Translated by Kelvin Lee

Jesus’ final words

John 16:25-33 (NIV)

²⁵"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. ²⁶In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. ²⁷No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. ²⁸I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

²⁹Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. ³⁰Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."

³¹"You believe at last!"^[b] Jesus answered. ³²"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

³³"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."

16:25 「這些事，我是用比喻對你們說的；時候將到，我不再用比喻對你們說，乃要將父明明地告訴你們。16:26 到那日，你們要奉我的名祈求；我並不對你們說，我要為你們求父。16:27 父自己愛你們；因為你們已經愛我，又信我是從父出來的。16:28 我從父出來，到了世界；我又離開世界，往父那裏去。」16:29 門徒說：「如今你是明說，並不用比喻了。16:30 現在我們曉得你凡事都知道，也不用人問你，因此我們信你是從　神出來的。」16:31 耶穌說：「現在你們信嗎？16:32 看哪，時候將到，且是已經到了，你們要分散，各歸自己的地方去，留下我獨自一人；其實我不是獨自一人，因為有父與我同在。16:33 我將這些事告訴你們，是要叫你們在我裏面有平安。在世上，你們有苦難；但你們可以放心，我已經勝了世界。」

一、中心內容：

內容：
1>主耶穌不再使用比喻，乃是對門徒明著說。（v25）

Jesus did not use figurative speech anymore; instead, He spoke clearly to His disciples. (v25)
2>到那日（受難、得榮耀之日），將不再需要主耶穌代求，門徒可奉主名向父祈求。（v26）

When the day (of crucifixion and glory) had come, the disciples would be able to ask the Father in Jesus’ name, they would no longer need Jesus to ask on their behalf. (v26)
3>因為門徒信耶穌、愛耶穌，所以天父也愛門徒。（v27）

Because the disciples believed and loved Jesus, therefore the Father also loved them. (v27)
4>主耶穌從天父那裏來，又要回到天父那裏去。（v28）

Jesus came from the Father and He was to return to the Father. (v28)

5>門徒表明對主耶穌身份的確信。（v29-30）

The disciples expressed their belief in Jesus’ identity. (v29-30)
6>主耶穌預言門徒將離棄祂。（v31-32）

Jesus predicted that the disciples would leave and abandon Him. (v31-32)
7>主耶穌關心、安慰門徒，並應許賜下平安。（v33）

Jesus comforted the disciples and promised them peace. (v33)

主題：
1>臨終留言。Jesus’ final words
2>在主裏有平安。 There is peace in the Lord.
3>主已勝過世界。Jesus had overcome the world.

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

01>即將受難（時候將到）的耶穌基督。（v25）Time was near for Jesus. (v25)
02>啟示父上帝的耶穌基督。（v25）Jesus Christ revealed God the Father. (v25)
03>名字帶著權柄的耶穌基督。（v26）Jesus Christ’ name is of power and authority. (v26)
04>疼愛門徒的天父上帝。（v27）God the Father loved the disciples.(v27)
05>從天父而出的耶穌基督。（v27-28、30）Jesus Christ came from God. (v27, 28, 30)
06>即將回到天父那裏的耶穌基督。（v28）Jesus was to return to the Father. (V28)
07>無所不知的耶穌基督。（v30）Jesus Christ is omniscient. (v30)
08>孤單（門徒將離去）的耶穌基督。（v32）Jesus Christ who was to be left alone.(v32)
09>與耶穌同在的天父上帝。（v32）God the Father is with Jesus Christ. (v32)
10>賜人平安的耶穌基督。（v33）Jesus Christ bestows peace on the world. (v33)
11>勝過世界的耶穌基督。（v33）Jesus Christ overcame the world. (v33)

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>凡事有定時 There is a time for everything.
傳 道書第三章一至二節說：凡事都有定期，天下萬務都有定時。生有時，死有時；栽種有時，拔出所栽種的也有時--------。沒有錯！在上帝掌管之下，天下 萬事、萬務都有定時，包括主耶穌基督的降生、受死、復活、升天，也都有定時。此處，主耶穌不斷對門徒提起「時候將到」這件事。如：------時候將到， 我不再用比喻對你們說。（v25）------到那日，你們要奉我的名祈求。（v26）------看哪，時候將到，且是已經到了。（v32）

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, ¹ there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven, ² a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. Indeed, there is a time for everything under God’s dominion, and it includes the time of Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection, and ascension. In the following verses, Jesus repeatedly mentioned the time was near. For example, in verse 25 “a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father”. And in verse26, “In that day you will ask in my name;” verse 32, “But a time is coming, and has come.”
反省：主所計劃、所預定的時間，我是否尋求？是否明白？是否把握？
Reflection: Do I seek for, understand and seize the timing which is planned and predestined by the Lord?
2>直接向父求 Ask God directly.
主 耶穌對門徒說，到那一天，你們要奉我的名向父祈求，我就不再為你們向父求問了。當主耶穌被釘死在十字架之後，人與上帝之間「因為罪所帶來的隔閡」已經除 掉，耶穌基督成為我們與上帝之間的中保。因此，我們只要奉主耶穌的名，就可以直接向上帝祈求，這是主耶穌給我們的應許，也是身為基督門徒的特權。

Jesus told his disciples that they could ask the Father in His name when the day came. On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, the barrier which was a result of human’s sin between God and humanity had been removed. He is our Mediator before God. Thus, we can directly ask God in Jesus’ name. This is what Jesus promises and also is a privilege shared among Christians.
反省：這樣的應許，我是否好好把握？這樣的特權，我是否懂得享受？
Reflection: Do I hold on to the promise and enjoy this privilege?
3>全然相信主 Fully believe in the Lord
父自己愛你們；因為你們已經愛我，又信我是從父出來的。（v27）現在我們曉得你凡事都知道，也不用人問你，因此我們信你是從　神出來的。（v30）在過去的日子裏，門徒雖然一直
跟隨在主耶穌的身邊，而且大約有三年的歲月，但是很顯然，他們並沒有全然相信，耶穌是從
上帝而來的（上帝的兒子），直到如今才全然相信。

²⁷No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (v27) ³⁰Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."(v30) The disciples had followed Him for three years, and they had not totally believed. Finally, they came to the full belief that Jesus was the Son of God.
反省：跟隨主、服事主的我，對主耶穌的身份，以及救贖功勞，是否全然相信？或半信半疑？
Reflection: When I follow and serve the Lord, do I fully believe in the redemption work of Jesus and His identity as the Son of God? Or do I only believe part of it?
4>門徒離棄主 The disciples abandoned Jesus.
看哪，時候將到，且是已經到了，你們要分散，各歸自己的地方去，留下我獨自一人。（v32a）

主耶穌預先告知門徒，當祂受難之時，門徒會離祂而去，留下塌獨自一人。

"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home.” (v32a) Jesus foretold that they would leave Him and He would be all by Himself.
反省：要是今天遇到迫害，我是否仍然堅持信仰立場？或為保命而妥協？就是離棄主耶穌？
Reflection: If I were to be persecuted today, would I stand firm on my belief; or would I compromise for the sake of my own life and abandon Jesus?
5>父上帝同在 God the Father is with Jesus
其實我不是獨自一人，因為有父與我同在。（v32b）
主耶穌接著又說，其實不是祂獨自一人，因為天父上帝與祂同在。天父上帝不僅隨時與主耶穌同在，祂也願意隨時與我們同在。

“Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.” (v32b) Not only that God the Father is with Jesus, He is also always with us.
反省：我是否經常迎接上帝與我同在？讓上帝來掌管我的生命？
Reflection: Do I always welcome God’s presence and let Him be in charge of my life?
6>主裏有平安 There is peace in the Lord.
我將這些事告訴你們，是要叫你們在我裏面有平安。在世上，你們有苦難；但你們可以放心，我已經勝了世界。」（v33）
主耶穌最後告訴門徒說：在這世上你們會有苦難，但是你們可以放心，因為我已經勝過這是界，所以在我裏面（生命與我連結）你們就會有平安。

"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) In the end, Jesus told the disciples that He had overcome the world and they would have peace if they remained in Him.

反省：我是否享有這份，環境無法左右、無人能夠搶奪，內在心靈永恆的平安？
Reflection: Do I have the everlasting inner peace which can not be taken away under any circumstance or by any man?
四、我的禱告 / 實際應用


Translated by 曾秀娟

Those who seek will find

John 16:16-24

¹⁶"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."

The Disciples' Grief Will Turn to Joy

¹⁷Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" ¹⁸They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."

¹⁹Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? ²⁰I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. ²¹A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²²So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. ²³In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. ²⁴Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

1) Message

Content:

1. Jesus prophesied his death and resurrection (v. 16)
2. Disciples did not understand what Jesus meant (v.17-18)
3. Jesus compared his death and resurrection to the pain and joy of giving birth (v.19-23a)
4. Asking in the name of the Lord realizes promises (v.23b-24)

Theme:

1. Turning grief into joy
2. Those who seek will find

2) Who are God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?

1) Jesus Christ who is to die (v.16, 19)

2) Jesus Christ who is to resurrect (v.16, 19)

3) Jesus Christ who is to ascend to heaven (to go to the Father) (v.17)

4) Father God who listens to prayers (v.23-24)

5) Jesus Christ who possesses authority (v.23-24)

3) What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations and warnings)?

1) Jesus died and resurrected (v.16)

Jesus told the disciples: “a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” This message perplexed the disciples. In fact, it very clearly prophesies the death and the resurrection of Christ. He died to take on the sin of mankind because he is the living God who has conquered death. Thus, he also resurrected from death on the third day that followed.

Reflection: My sins are paid for because of the death of Christ. Because of his resurrection, I have hope for eternity. Am I willing to die and to be resurrected with Christ?

2) Difference of Values (v.20)

Jesus spoke again, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” Being all human beings, theoretically our experiences and feelings should be similar. However, Jesus clearly pointed out the disciples will weep and mourn at the death of Christ, but the world will rejoice. Why would there be such a difference in response?

Naturally, the disciples possess contrasting values from others in the world.

Reflection: Are my values different compared to that of non-believers?

3) A Joy that cannot be taken away (v.22)

Jesus once said that he gives a peace that cannot be taken away. This implies that no matter how the world around changes, the peace in one’s soul will not disappear. Similarly, he mentions that “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy”. Since it cannot be taken away, then just like peace, inside one’s heart, it will not change according to the changes of the world.

Reflection: Do I truly posses this peace in my heart that cannot be taken away?

4) Asking and receiving (v.23-25)

In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.” Similarly, he said, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for^[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” In such a way, Jesus Christ leaves a promise that one will receive what he asks for.

Reflection: Am I taking advantage of this promise that Jesus left?

5) A name full of Authority (v.23-24)

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, if you ask from the Father, he will give you what you ask for the sake of my name. He also said that if they ask in his name, they will receive.” This shows that Jesus Christ’s name isn’t any normal name. Rather, it is one that carries authority. By this name, not only can we make requests, people can be healed, demons can be cast away, blessings abound, etc. Thus, Jesus’ name carries authority and is a precious and holy name.

Reflection: As a Christian, do I carry out God’s authority by Jesus’ name?

Translated by Aaron T.

We must testify about God

The World Hates the Disciples

John 15: 18~27

¹⁸"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. ²⁰Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. ²¹They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. ²²If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. ²³He who hates me hates my Father as well. ²⁴If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. ²⁵But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason. ²⁶"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. ²⁷And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

I. Message:

Content:

• The world hates Jesus and Christians as well. (v. 18)
• The world hates Christians, because they have been chosen by God from the world. So, they do not belong to the world anymore. (v. 19)
• The world treats Christians the way they treated Jesus. (v. 20)
• The world knows the Father and Jesus, by means of Jesus’ behaviors and teachings. But they still hate Jesus. (v. 21~25)
• The Holy Spirit who comes out from the Father will testify about Jesus.

(v. 26)

• Christians must also testify about Jesus. (v. 27)

Themes:

1. Christians don’t belong to the world. So the world hates Christians.

2. The world knows that no one goes to the Father except through Jesus and that He is the way, the truth and the life. But, they still cling to their sins and to the world.

3. We must testify about God.

II. Who is God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?

• Jesus Christ was hated by the world. (v.18, v. 23~24)
• We were chosen from the world by Jesus. (v. 19)
• Jesus Christ was persecuted. (v. 20)
• Jesus Christ was sent to the world by God. (v. 21)
• Jesus Christ has come and spoken to us. (v. 22)
• He who hates Jesus hates God. (v. 23)
• Jesus Christ sent out the Holy Spirit. (v. 26)
• The Spirit of truth. (v. 26)
• Jesus Christ was testified by the Holy Spirit. (v. 26)
• Jesus Christ is with us (the Christians). (v. 27)

III. What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations and warnings)?

1. Two groups are extremely different: (v. 18~20)

Jesus told the disciples to love each, also reminded them that the world will hate them because they hate Jesus that pointed out their guiltiness and their sins. Thus, when Jesus came to the world, he broke up the original structure into two groups. One group is still living and bind with sins, the other group is chosen out of the world by Jesus. He broke up the structure. So, surely they hated and were against the disciples more than they hated and were against Jesus.

Reflection: Between these two extremely different groups, do I often choose the left side (the world), the right side (Jesus) or do I stay neutral?

2. Consecrated life: (v. 18~20)

After we were chosen by God to live a consecrated life, we no longer belong to the world. We don’t live within the guiltiness and sin as the others. It will be natural to be hated and to be rejected by the world. To be a Christian, one shouldn’t be afraid to be hated for walking on the passage of truth. If a Christian’s life standard level is the same as the world (The unbelievers) then there must be something wrong with his life of faith.

Reflection: Is my life different from the unbeliever’s? Do I have the same lifestyles and values of an unbeliever or is my life completely different from theirs?

3. They still cling to their sins and to the world. (v.21~25)

In Chinese there is a saying “You aren’t a sinner if you don’t know that you committed a sin. But if you knew that it was a sin and still do it, then you ought to be punished more than you deserve.” Jesus has pointed out that He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. The world knew this, but they still hated Jesus and the disciples. This is sin needs an extra degree of punishment.

Reflection: As a Christian, do I often commit sins against my spirituality even if I knew that they were wrong? If yes, God, have a mercy on me!

4. The Trinity of God (v. 26)

Jesus said “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father”. In this passage the names: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit appear. We see through this passage that the God we trust in and rely on is the Trinity.

Reflection: How much do I know about the God we believe in? Do I totally understand the doctrine of the Trinity?

5. The Holy Spirit’s promises: (v. 26)

After Jesus died and rose up into heaven. God sent the Holy Spirit to the world.

When the Holy Spirit came, it touched, led, consoled, supported, prayed, etc. God is with us forever.

Reflection: Do I believe the Holy Spirit’s promises? Do I understand the work of the Holy Spirit? Do I rely on and submit to the Holy Spirit?

6. The power of testimony: (v. 26~27)

God prepared two powers to cover the hatred of Jesus and Christians. The first power is the Holy Spirit’s (the Counselor, the Spirit of truth) testimony. The second power is the Christian’s testimony.

Reflection: Do I testify for God and preach gospel in this era full of guilt and darkness?

Translated by Teresa Yang

Remain in Jesus’ love

John 15:9-17

⁹"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. ¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹²My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. ¹⁷This is my command: Love each other.

15:9 我愛你們，正如父愛我一樣；你們要常在我的愛裏。15:10 你們若遵守我的命令，就常在我的愛裏，正如我遵守了我父的命令，常在他的愛裏。15:11 「這些事我已經對你們說了，是要叫我的喜樂存在你們心裏，並叫你們的喜樂可以滿足。15:12 你們要彼此相愛，像我愛你們一樣；這就是我的命令。15:13 人為朋友捨命，人的愛心沒有比這個大的。15:14 你們若遵行我所吩咐的，就是我的朋友了。15:15 以後我不再稱你們為僕人，因僕人不知道主人所做的事。我乃稱你們為朋友；因我從我父所聽見的，已經都告訴你們了。15:16 不是你們揀選了我，是我揀選了你們，並且分派你們去結果子，叫你們的果子常存，使你們奉我的名，無論向父求甚麼，他就賜給你們。15:17 我這樣吩咐你們，是要叫你們彼此相愛。」

一、中心內容：

內容：
01>主耶穌勸勉門徒，要常活（住、存）在祂的愛中。（v9）

Jesus exhorted His disciples to remain in His love. (V9)
02>若遵守主的命令，就能常活（住、存）在主的愛中。（v10）

If one obeys His commands will remain in His love. (v10)
03>主耶穌告訴這些事，是要讓門徒完全享受祂的喜樂。（v11）

Jesus’ words to His disciples were for their joy to be complete in Him. (v11)
04>主耶穌命令門徒當彼此相愛。（v12、v17）

Jesus commanded His disciples to love each other. (v12;17)
05>主耶穌暗喻自己將為門徒受死。（v13）

Jesus implied that He would die for them. (v13)
06>遵守主命令的，就是主的朋友。（v14）

Whoever obeys His commands is a friend of His. (v14)
07>主耶穌將從父所領受的，毫無保留的告訴門徒。（v15）

Jesus told them whatever He received from God. (v15)
08>主耶穌揀選了我們。（v16a）

Jesus chose us. (v16a)
09>主耶穌揀選我們的目的，是為了結果子。（v16b）

Jesus chose us to bear fruit. (v16b)
10>奉主名禱告，必蒙應許。（v16c）

Whatever asked in Jesus’ name will be answered. (v16c)

主題：
1>常在主的愛中。Remain in Jesus’ love.
2>彼此相愛的命令。The commandment to love each other

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>充滿愛的耶穌基督。（v9）Jesus Christ is full of love. (v9)
2>充滿愛的天父上帝。（v9）God the Father is full of love. (v9)
3>賜下命令的耶穌基督。（v10）Jesus Christ gives commands.( v10)
4>帶給人喜樂的耶穌基督。（v11）Jesus Christ brings joy to the world.(v11)
5>為世人捨命的耶穌基督。（v13）Jesus Christ gave His life for the world.(v13)
6>與世人為友的耶穌基督。（v14-15）Jesus Christ befriends the world. (v14-15)
7>有權柄（揀選）的耶穌基督。（v16）Jesus Christ has the authority and power to choose. (v16)
8>名字帶著權柄的耶穌基督。（v16）Jesus Christ’ name is of power and authority. (v16)
9>垂聽禱告的天父上帝。（v16）God listens to prayers.(v16)

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>效法父子、彼此相愛 To love each other the way God loves Jesus

我愛你們，正如父愛我一樣；你們要常在我的愛裏。你們若遵守我的命令，就常在我的愛裏，正如我遵守了我父的命令，常在他的愛裏。這些事我已經對你們說了，是要叫我的喜樂存在你們心裏，並叫你們的喜樂可以滿足。你們要彼此相愛，像我愛你們一樣；這就是我的命令。（v9-12）
⁹"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. ¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹²My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (v9-12)
天父上帝怎樣愛耶穌基督，耶穌基督也怎樣愛我們，我們也當怎樣彼此相愛。

Jesus loves us the way God loves Him; in the same way, we should love each other.
反省：上帝、耶穌基督的愛，就是犧牲性命（為罪人捨命）的愛。身為基督耶穌門徒的我，聲稱要效法耶穌基督的樣式，那麼我曾經為誰犧牲過些什麼嗎？

Reflection: The love of God and Jesus is sacrificial love which is to die for sinners. As a professed Christian who follows Jesus’ example, have I ever sacrificed anything for anyone?

2>遵守主命，喜樂滿足 Obey the Lord’s command and have complete joy
這些事我已經對你們說了，是要叫我的喜樂存在你們心裏，並叫你們的喜樂可以滿足。（v11）

¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (v11)

主耶穌不僅是平安的源頭，同時也是喜樂的源頭。祂勸勉我們遵行祂旨意的目的，就是要我們也能享受到祂所擁有的喜樂。

Not only that Jesus is the source of peace, He also is the source of joy. His exhortation to obey His will is for us to enjoy His joy.
反省：我是否擁有來自耶穌基督，沒有環境能夠左右、沒有人能夠搶奪的喜樂？
Reflection: Is my joy from Jesus that will not be moved by any circumstance and will not be taken away by anyone?
3>遵守主命，常在主愛 Obey the Lord’s command and remain in His love
你們若遵守我的命令，就常在我的愛裏，正如我遵守了我父的命令，常在他的愛裏。（v10）

¹⁰If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. (v10)
主耶穌聲稱，正如祂遵守了父上帝的命令，常在父上帝的愛裏一樣；我們也應當藉著遵守主耶穌的命令，而常在主耶穌的愛裏。因此，常常參加聚會，還不算活在主的愛裏，唯獨遵行主旨意的，才能稱為活在主的愛裏。

Jesus claimed that He remained in God’s love because He obeyed the Father’s commands. In the same way, we should remain in His love by obeying His commands. According to Jesus, to actively attend church does not count as much to remain in His love; only by obeying His commands can one fully remain in His love.
反省：我是否渴慕、研讀、領受、實踐聖經中主的教訓？我活在主的愛中嗎？
Reflection: Do I thirst for, study, receive and apply Jesus’ teaching in my life and to live in His love?
4>遵守主命，身份提升 Obey the Lord’s command and be friends of His
你們若遵行我所吩咐的，就是我的朋友了。以後我不再稱你們為僕人，因僕人不知道主人所做的事。我乃稱你們為朋友；因我從我父所聽見的，已經都告訴你們了。（v14-15）

¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (v14-15)

主耶穌特別指出，凡是遵行祂所吩咐的，就不再作奴隸，乃是作成為祂的朋友。
Jesus pointed out particularly that whoever obeys His commands is not a servant but a friend of His.
5>遵守主命，祈禱蒙允 Obey the Lord’s command and prayers be answered
使你們奉我的名，無論向父求甚麼，他就賜給你們。（v16c）

Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (v16c)
主耶穌再度指出，凡是遵行祂所吩咐的，只要奉祂的名，無論向父求甚麼，祂就賜給我們。
顯示：凡是遵行主所吩咐的人，禱告必蒙主應許。

It means that if anyone obeys His commands and whatever he asks in his name will be answered.
反省：我的禱告生活如何？我禱告的經歷如何？常蒙應允嗎？
Reflection: How my prayer life is? What is my personal prayer experience? Are my prayers always answered by God?
6>承蒙揀選，為結果子 We are chosen to bear fruit
不是你們揀選了我，是我揀選了你們，並且分派你們去結果子，叫你們的果子常存。（v16a）

¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. (v16a)
我們蒙上帝揀選，除了蒙恩、得福之外，最重要的使命就是：結果子。

We are chosen by God not only to be blessed, but also to bear fruit.
反省：曾經有人因著我的生命見證，而認識主耶穌，甚至進一步信而受洗嗎？
Reflection: Did anyone get to know Jesus and to be baptized because of the testimony of my life?
四、我的禱告 / 實際應用

The vine and the branches

John 15:1-8

¹"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ²He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. ⁸This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

<1> Message:

Content:

1) Lord Jesus is the vine, God is the gardener (v.1)

2) Fruitful and unfruitful branches have different consequences (v.2)

3) God’s words cleanse us and give us life (v.3)

4) Lord Jesus is the vine, we are the branches; the branches must be attached to the vine so as to bear fruit (v.4-5)

5) Unattached branches that don’t bear fruit must be cut off, thrown into the fire and burned (v.6)

6) Staying bound to God and praying will realize God’s promise (v.7)

7) Bearing fruit brings glory to God and affirms one as being God’s true disciple

Themes:
1) The vine and the branches

2) Remaining in God and God’s words remaining in me.

3) Nothing apart from God

<2> Who are God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?

1) Father God full of power (v. 1-2, v.6)

2) Jesus Christ, the source of life (v.4-5)

3) Father God who listens to prayers (v.7)

<3> What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations and warnings)?

1) Jesus is the true vine

¹I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (v.1)

Grape trees, fig trees, and olive trees are plants often used in Biblical comparisons referring to God’s people. In this case, Jesus uses the grape tree to parallel himself. Moreover, he emphasizes that he alone is the true vine. Why would he place such emphasis on “true”? In the old testament, when a vine is often associated with being corrupt. For instance, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others, referred to the Israelites as “wild grapes” when the people were corrupted, fallen, and far from God. Such metaphor was also an indication that they were unsalvageable. Since according to such “Jewish history”, the people were the wild grapes that couldn’t be saved, then the “true vine”, Jesus Christ, would thus represent the only source of hope for salvation for humanity.

Reflection: Do I accept Jesus Christ as my personal savior and rely on him fully for his saving grace?

2) The connections of life

⁵I am the vine; you are the branches. (5a)

According to this passage, we see that Jesus Christ is the vine, and we are all the branches on the tree. Therefore, our relationship with Christ should theoretically be a vital one.

Reflection: How is my relationship with Christ? Is it vitally necessary? Is it an intimate and lively relationship?

3) Conditions for bearing fruit

“while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.” (v.2b) ⁴Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (v.4)

In discussing the vine and branches, there are two important conditions for bearing fruits:

a) Pruning the fruits

If there are too many dried leaves on the vine, other fruits will be affected. It is therefore crucial to prune the branches. It is so with the lives of Christians as well. If there are too many secular views, attitudes, habits, that affect one’s fruit-bearing, one must rely on God’s words to prune these traits. Only through God’s words can people’s hearts be cleansed (Hebrews 4:12). Him whose delight is in the law of the LORD, who, on his law he meditates day and night, is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalms 1:2-3)

b) Remaining attached to the vine

The branches must be attached to the vine in order to absorb all the required nutrients such as to bear fruit. It is the same with Christians. We require a vital attachment to Jesus Christ, so as to gain life and bear fruits.

Reflection: Do I constantly have the vital interaction with Christ? Do I constantly rely on God’s words to prune and renew myself? What kinds of fruits have I bore for God?

4) Consequences of bearing fruit, or not

²He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. (v.2)

The worth of a branch that is attached to a vine depends solely on whether it bears fruit or not. The consequence of not bearing fruit is dire. A fruitful branch will be nurtured with diligence and care by the gardener so as to bear even more fruits. An unfruitful branch would simply be cut off and thrown into the fire.

Reflection: Over the years of believing in Christ, how much fruit have I bore? Am I being pruned and cared for or on the verge of being cut-off?

5) God’s words cleanse

³You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (v.3)

Jesus Christ said that his words can cleanse, prune, correct, and renew his disciples’ lives so that they bear more fruit. Clearly, solely Jesus Christ’s words can cleanse our lives.

Reflection: Have I held on tightly to Jesus’ teachings, and acted accordingly to cleanse my life?

6) Building a vital relationship

⁴Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (v.4-7)

Jesus reasserts the importance of remaining in one another.

a) One who does not constantly remaining in Christ: will not bear fruit, cannot nothing, will be like a branch thrown away withering, picked up and thrown in fire and burned.

b) One who constantly remains in Christ: will be pruned by the gardener, will bear many fruits, and will be given whatever you wish

Reflection: Do I constantly remain in Christ, and Christ in me?

7) The key to remaining in Christ

⁷If you remain in me and my words remain in you (v.7a)

Verse 3 mentions, “now that you have been cleansed by my words”. Here, it says, “if you remain in me and my words remain in you”. Clearly, we must constantly remain in Christ, and Christ in me. The imperative ingredient is God’s words. It is through his words that we remain in Christ.

Reflection: How are my devotional and Bible-reading habits? Have I held on to the key of remaining in Christ?

8) The consequence of bearing much fruit

“ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. ⁸This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (v.7b-8)

Once we bear much fruit, all that we wish and ask for will be granted by God. In conjunction, God’s name will be glorified. This also testifies that we are Christ’s disciples.

Reflection: Do I bring glory to God by bearing fruits? Am I worthy of being Christ’s disciple?

Translated by Aaron 蔡

The promise of the Counsellor

John 14:15~24

15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--

17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"

23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

I. Message:

Content:

1. Those who love the Lord obey His command (v. 15)
2. The promise of the Counsellor (v. 16)
3. Explanation of the Counsellor (v. 17~20)
4. Discussion on the meaning of loving the Lord and its effect (v. 21~24)

Themes:

1. The promise of the Counsellor
2. Those who love the Lord obey His command

II. Who is God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ gives command (v. 15)
2. Jesus Christ prays to God (v. 16)
3. God listens to prayers (v. 16)
4. God gives the Holy Spirit (v. 16)
5. The Holy Spirit lives in us forever (v. 16)
6. The Holy Spirit of the truth (v. 17)
7. The Holy Spirit dwells within us (v. 17)
8. The triune God (v. 15~20)
9. Jesus Christ does not leave us as orphans (v. 18)
10. Jesus Christ was with the Father God (v. 20)
11. Jesus Christ lives among us (v. 20)
12. Jesus Christ reveals himself to mankind (v.21)

III. What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations and warnings)?

1. Those who love the Lord must obey His command

15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.

Loving the Lord does not remain on our lips alone but involves acts and the most concrete act is following His teaching. We must understand His teaching before we can follow; we must seek His words before we can understand. In other words, someone that truly loves the Lord is someone that seeks His words, enjoys reading the Scriptures and acts according to His will.

Reflections: do I long for God’s words? Do I enjoy reading the Bible, as if I were reading a love story? Do I follow the teaching taught in the Scriptures? According to Jesus’ teaching, can I be considered as someone who truly loves the Lord?

2. Teaching on the Trinity

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever

This verse points out that the Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit coexist and teaches us about the mystery of trinity.

Reflections: do I understand the meaning of trinity? Do I believe in it and have I experienced it?

3. Teaching on the Holy Spirit

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever--

17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Since Jesus does not want to see His followers becoming like orphans once He leaves, He prayed to the Father God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, a Counsellor, and the Spirit who reveals the truth about God. He remains in us always. The unsaved cannot see Him or accept or believe in Him. However we know Him since He dwells within us.

Reflections: how much do I know about this Holy Spirit that the Father God has given? How much experience and acceptance do I have?

4. Prophecy of His death and resurrection

19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

Jesus said, “Before long, the world will not see me anymore”, referring to His crucifixion. He then said, “But you will see me. Because I live, you also will live”, referring to His resurrection.

Reflections: do I believe that Jesus had risen from the dead? Have I experienced the resurrected Lord? Or I cannot see or believe like the unsaved?

5. Promise of living within each other

20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

Jesus promised that He will be in the Father; we will be in Jesus and He will be in us.

Reflections: can I capture and enjoy the state in which we are in the Lord and He is in us?

6. The blessings from truly loving the Lord

21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"

23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

Jesus points out: whoever loves the Lord is loved by the Father God and Jesus. He will reveal Himself to these people. This is the blessing reserved for those who truly love the Lord!

Reflections: do I follow the Lord’s teaching? Do I truly love the Lord? Have I received abundant blessing?

Translated by 顏偉哲

Farewell message

John 14:25-31

²⁵"All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ²⁸"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. ³⁰ I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, ³¹ but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” Come now; let us leave.

I. Message

Content:

1> Jesus points out: the Holy Spirit will teach the disciples all things and will remind them of everything He has said and things to happen. （v25-26）
2> Jesus promises to leave the disciples with “peace unlike what the world give.” （v27）
3> Jesus once again emphasizes that He will go back to the Father and He will come back. （v28）
4> Jesus has told this thing to the disciples before it happens because He hopes that when it does happen, they will believe Him. （v29）
5> Jesus emphasizes that the prince of this world is coming. （v30）
6> Jesus points out the love and obedience He has for the Father God. （v31）

Theme:

1> Farewell message.
2> The Holy Spirit will teach all things.
3> I will give my peace to you.

II. Who is God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit?

01> Jesus Christ who lives with the people. （v25）
02> The Holy Spirit sent by the Father. （v26）
03> God who sends the Holy Spirit. （v26）
04> Jesus Christ whose name comes with power.
05> God who is the Triune God. （v26）
06> The Holy Spirit performing work. （v26）
07> Jesus Christ who leaves His peace with the people. （v27）
08> Jesus Christ who is returning to the Father God. （v28）
09> Jesus Christ who will come back again. （v28）
10> Jesus Christ who is worthy of our belief. （v29）
11> Jesus Christ who takes victory over the prince of the world (Satan). （v30）
12> Jesus Christ who loves the Father. （v31）
13> Jesus Christ who obeys the Father. （v31）

III. What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations and warnings)?

1> The Holy Spirit teaches us Jesus’ words

²⁶But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

The Holy Spirit sent by the Father before Jesus leaves this world will be with us always and teaches us everything Jesus has said, revealing the true meanings of His words. Later on in the Book of John, Apostle John often mentions that “it was clear to the disciples when they thought about it later on.” This is the result of the Holy Spirit at work.

When we read the bible today, we also need help from the Holy Spirit in order to open our hearts to truly understand His words.

Reflection: How do I receive the words of the Bible? Can I truly understand them? And what is my attitude towards reading the Bible? Do I ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to open my heart or do I only rely on my own understanding and method?

2> Do not be troubled or be afraid for the Lord will grant you peace

²⁷Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

When Jesus was going to leave his beloved disciples, He knew that they were troubled and afraid because of His departure, so He promised to give them peace. This peace is not the peace with no war, no sickness or no disasters. However, this peace in the heart is something that can be enjoyed forever in any environments and circumstances—something that cannot be taken away by anyone.

Reflection: Do I understand this peace in the heart given by Jesus Christ that none can take away? Do I accept it?

3> Return to the Father and come back again

²⁸"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

Jesus encouraged His disciples to not to be troubled and told them that even though He’s leaving, He will eventually come back again because He is going away to prepare a place for us. When the preparation is done, He will come and bring us there.

Reflection: Do I believe in this promise of Jesus? Do I look forward to it? Do I word hard to grasp it?

4> True power and true victory

³⁰ I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me.

At first Jesus claimed that He will not speak with them much longer for the ruler of this world (Satan) is coming, but then He said that Satan has no hold on Him (no control over Him). Clearly the true ruler and victor is not Satan but Jesus Christ. The death of Jesus Christ is not a defeat to Satan but obedience to God.

Reflection: How well do I know Jesus? How much do I rely on Jesus?

5> Walking towards sufferings bravely and firmly

³¹Come, let us leave!

After Jesus has spoken these words, He said to the disciples, “Come, let us leave!” Jesus continues to teach, but this call is a call towards Gethsemane and Golgotha. From Jesus’ courageous and firm call, we can see the spirit Jesus has in order to accomplish His Father’s mission.

Reflection: What do I learn from the spirit Jesus has to completely submit to God and walk firmly with courage towards sufferings?

IV. My prayer/Application in life

Translated by Ivy 白