February 17-23
www.spu.edu/lectio
John 13:1-14:31
By Dr. Laura Sweat
Daily Readings suggestion:
Monday………..13:1-20
Tuesday……….13:21-38Wednesday….14:1-14
Thursday………14:15-31
As we continue reading in John’s gospel, we’ve now entered
the ramp-up to the passion narrative, the story of Jesus' death on the cross and
the amazing events that happened after that.
This week we’re being transported into the heart of Holy Week,
specifically, the events observed by the church on Maundy Thursday. In John, the events of Holy Week, especially
the Last Supper with his disciples in the upper room, are filled with Jesus’
words for his disciples – words of challenge, words of guidance, and words of
comfort.
As you read, consider what
Jesus is saying to YOU and your fellow disciples who you walk with in Christian
community.
Where
We’ve Been…
Last week we encountered two matters of life and death:
Life for Dead Lazarus
- Jesus gets word of his friend’s death & risks his life to visit the
family (12:1-16); Jesus reveals that he is the resurrection and the life
(12:17-27); Jesus weeps for his friend, and raises Lazarus to life (12:28-44).
Death for the
Living Son of Man - A plot to kill Jesus (11:45-57); Mary anoints Jesus
(12:1-11); Jesus enters Jerusalem & speaks of his impending death
(12:12-36); Many didn’t believe in Jesus; nevertheless, many did believe
(12:37-50).
What did you discover about who Jesus is? What do you appreciate most about how Jesus related to
others in friendship? How meaningful is it to you that when hearing of his
friend Lazarus’ death, “Jesus wept?” Why do you think Jesus seemed to be okay with the idea of
his upcoming death, even though he had demonstrated he had power over death?
- Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet (13:1-20)
- Jesus Predicts Betrayal & Denial (13:21-30, 36-38)
- Jesus Gives His Disciples a New Commandment – Love One Another as I Have Loved You (13:31-35)
- Jesus Comforts His Disciples by Speaking of Future Reunion, Revealing Himself as the Way, Truth, and Life (14:1-14)
- Jesus Promises the Presence of the Holy Spirit (14:15-31)
For each of these episodes, consider the following
questions:
-
What does this encounter tell you about who Jesus is and what is important to him?
- What does Jesus teach here about God the Father or the Holy Spirit?
- What is Jesus communicating to his disciples? How might Jesus be communicating these same things to you today?
- What is one thing Jesus says to his disciples that you need to hear today, and share with others?
Words of Blessing
Let Jesus love you.
Allow him to wash your feet, to touch your life at a deep and personal level.
Allow his death to be for you.
Receive His commandment to love others as he has loved you.
Receive the Holy Spirit sent in His name.
Receive His peace.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid" (14:27)
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