Notes: December 31, 2009

“I am the true vine”

Jesus often taught truth in metaphorical language.

John 15:1-8

1. Think about what has just happened. After the Passover meal, Jesus gave bread and wine to his disciples. He also announced that he would not drink any more of the fruit of the vine until his kingdom had been established. And now he declares that HE is the true vine. Can we not see that he is teaching that the symbolism of the Passover vine is fulfilled in him?

2. Two groups of souls are represented in this metaphor—a. branches that bear fruit, and b. branches that do not bear fruit.

3. These two groups have two very different ends—a. fruitful branches are cleansed, and b. fruitless branches are destroyed.

4. See John 13:10-11. Throughout the Gospel of John men are viewed as being in one of two groups: those who receive Christ, and those who do not; those who have the light and those who do not. The two groups are similar in their familiarity with Christ, but they arrive at opposite ends.

John 15:9-15

1. Holy living goes hand in hand with enjoying the love of Christ.

2. Loving others sacrificially is the ultimate love.

3. What a friend we have in Jesus.

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Notes: December 30, 2009

More Words Of Comfort

Jesus has a lot to say to his bewildered and troubled disciples.

John 14:21-31

Reasons to be comforted

21-24. If you love Jesus, evident by your keeping his commandments, the Father will love you and dwell in you

25-26. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, will teach you and remind you of all that Jesus said

27. Jesus gives peace

28-29. Jesus reveals the future so that when we see his words fulfilled we will believe

30-31. Jesus is ever obedient to the Father

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Notes: December 29, 2009

More words of comfort

John 14:11-20

Reasons to be comforted

  • 11. The works of Jesus
  • 12-14. You will become effective in prayer
  • 16-18. The Comforter, the Spirit of Truth will dwell in you
  • 19. Because I live, you will live also
  • 20. You will have full knowledge that I am in the Father and in you, and that you are in me.

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Notes: December 28, 2009

“Let not your heart be troubled”

Having announced his departure, Jesus comforts his disciples.

John 14:1-10

Reasons for being comforted

  • 2. There is a place for you in my Father’s house
  • 3. I will come back and take you there
  • 6-7 By me alone you will know and see the Father
  • 9. If you have seen me, you have seen the Father
  • 10. What I do is because the Father dwells in me

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