Study
30 From the Book of John is: John 14:25 - 15: 8
1.
The disciples were distressed at the thought of Jesus going away and
leaving them alone in a hostile world; cf. 16:6. What promises does
Jesus give in verses 25-29 to answer their fears? Why does His going
to the Father bring greater benefit than if He had remained as He
was? What also does verse 31 teach about Christ's reason for facing
the cross?
2.
What does the parable of the vine teach about (a) the purpose for
which the branches exist, (b) the vinedresser's dealing with the
branches, and (c) the dependence of the branches upon the vine? With
verses 3 and 7 compare 14:15, 21, 23; see also 8:31, 32. What kind
of fruit do you bear? Cf. Gal 5:22, 23.
Notes
1.
14:28. 'The Father is greater than I' cf. 10:29, 30. He is not
greater in being more divine, but in the eternal Father -Son and
God-man relationships.
2.
14:30. ' The ruler of this world': cf. 12:31; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4;
Eph. 2:2; 1 Jn. 5:19. The RSV; 'has no power over me' gives the true
sense of these words. There is nothing in Jesus over which the devil
can claim possession, and therefore domination.