”The Eagle’s Eye”, John’s Gospel Class 7. Thames Valley churches of Christ

“The Eagle’s Eye”: Class 7

John Chapters 17 & 18

“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:” John 17.1

"Jesus' prayerful waiting for God's instructions freed Him from the tyranny of the urgent. It gave him a sense of direction, set a steady pace, and enabled him to do every task God assigned. And on the last night he could say, 'I have finished the work you gave me to do.'"

-From "Tyranny of the Urgent", Hummel.

1. “Oneness”: John 17

• heis”: one and the same
• Love - Witness - Unity
• “Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success.” Henry Ford

2. “Riskiness”: John 18

1. Devotional Questions

• Why do you think the arrest party “drew back and fell to the ground”? (v6)
• The phrase, “I am he” is repeated three times (vv5, 6, 8). Can you think of a particular reason why John might have recorded these statements of Jesus?
• Is there any significance in the fact that Jesus identifies himself three times, and Peter denies he knows Jesus three times? (vv17, 25, 27)?
• Apart from the deeper meaning of this phrase, what does the fact that Jesus stepped forward to identify himself and protect his disciples tell you about his heart?
• Why do you think Peter attacked Malchus?
• And then, why does he become so quick to deny his association with Jesus (v17)?
• Peter’s three-fold refusal to be associated with Jesus is tragic, but all-too understandable. What do you think was going through his mind as the cock crowed? (v27)
• His is not the only betrayal in this chapter. The Jewish leaders are scrupulous in avoiding ceremonial uncleanness (v28) while at the same time becoming guilty of something far worse - scheming the death of an innocent man. What do you think causes so-called spiritual people to compromise what they say they believe in?
• Why would the crowd prefer Barabbas over Jesus?

1. Pilate Interview

• • Question / question (v34)
  • Provocative statement (v36)
  • Invitation to contemplation (v37)

1. Conscience Questions

• In which situations do you feel intimidated?
• Where is it that people might not know you are a Christian?
• In front of which people do you feel heart thumping, mouth going dry, head spinning?
• What’s going through your mind at times like that?
• How might you react next time in a way that is more like Jesus?

Summary

• “What has stood out to you from tonight?”

1. Read John 19 between now and Sunday
2. Discuss what you’re learning and your questions with your spouse/friends.
3. Ask God to reveal what aspect of Jesus he would like you to focus on through this series.

 

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God bless,

 

Malcolm

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