Jesus instructs His disciples through an illustration: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” (1) He calls us to fruitfulness as branches who stay connected to Him. If we are fruitless, we are removed. If we …

This entire chapter Jesus addresses the troubled fearful hearts of His disciples. He reminds them of the coming Holy Spirit Who will remind them of His Word. He gives them His peace and commands them again: “…Do not let your …

Being confused by Jesus’ assertion that He was going away and returning to them, they asked: “…’Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?” (22b). Jesus’ promised presence was …

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (15) As Jesus neared crucifixion, He clarified the evidence of love for Him is seen in attentiveness [reflects valuing] and obedience to His commands (Word). We often measure our love by …

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do;…” (12) This promise seems outrageous, and is sometimes explained away by saying …

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” (6) I’m sure this was not the answer Thomas was looking for to clarify the cloud of …

When Jesus told His disciples they could not go with Him, no one was more confused than Peter. He insisted, “…’I will lay down my life for You.’” (37c). Jesus challenged him saying he would deny Him three times before …

“Therefore when he [Judas] had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him;” (31) We don’t often associate death with glory as Jesus did here. From the beginning of His ministry …

Though Jesus had clarity on His Father’s will, knew who He was and where He was going, and saw it as fulfilling Scripture, it did not lessen His pain of what was about to happen. “When Jesus had said this, …

After Jesus washed His disciples feet, He exhorted them to embrace the humility essential to properly follow Him. It is not enough to understand this, but we must follow through in deed to be blessed. Like Jesus, we press on …