1. John 14:28. The Father is greater than the Son?

How to reconcile such a strange word from Jesus with other words: “I and My Father are one.” “He that has seen Me has seen the Father.” “For unto us a Child is born and His Name shall be called… Everlasting Father.” “His name shall be called Emmanuel, God with us.” ???

• There is no question that during His earthly stay, what we call the Incarnation, He was subject to the Father. He did nothing unless He listened first to the Father’s will.
• His humbling Himself to become human flesh made Him limited by its very nature.
• His death as a common criminal added to the notion that His Father was greater.

But nowhere did Jesus surrender His claim to Deity, and he showed flashes of it at His baptism, His transfiguration, His resurrection. He is now seated at the right hand of God and there is no longer talk of differences in the Godhead.

Even with all of that said, the mystery is incomprehensible. Will we ever begin to understand how low Jesus had to stoop to save us from our sins?

2. John 15:5-7. Why the “if” here, compared to the security of John 10? (See v 16)

I don’t believe Jesus is introducing doubt here, but rather showing us the means He will use to bring us to glory. When we arrive we will not be able to look back and boast at all we did to save ourselves and others. Rather we will brag about what He did, at the cross, at the place of intercession, as the Guidepost, the Shepherd. It’s all about Him.

3. John 17:12. “I kept them in Your Name.” What does this mean?

The “name” is mentioned often in Scripture and we seem to pass over it quickly. Is it the Name of Jesus, the Name of Jehovah? What Name? When did Jesus ever teach the “Name”?

“Hallowed be Thy Name,” we pray, but do we ask, “What is that Name, anyway?”

A study of the Name in Scripture finally leads one to believe that the Name is a given whenever talking about our God. His Name is in everything He does and Is. It’s His authority, His Presence, His Power. “The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are saved.” Really? How do we run into that tower? How do we call upon the name of the Lord?

Is He worried whether we call Him Jehovah or Jesus or Spirit? If you ask anything in MY Name, said Jesus, I will do it. What did he mean? Why not Jehovah’s name?

It’s a fascinating study and runs the gamut of Scripture. But whether we ever understand this or not, we are to be sure that the Name of the Lord is our salvation and life. That’s why the third commandment is there. Taking His Name lightly or carelessly is an invitation to severe punishment.

4. Luke 22:42. Did Jesus desire the cross?

“Who, for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” we read. Was it the cross that He so desired or the joy of seeing you saved? “If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me,” cried Jesus. His flesh, like ours, recoiled at the thought of what was coming. And by now, in the Garden, He knew what was coming. Incredible torture from sadistic soldiers and governments. Total rejection by all those He had blessed for so long. Death at a young age. With the weight of the sins of the world on His shoulders, long before the government would rest there.

Desire this? When His own Father will have to look away and let it happen?

We are not to desire suffering. There is sickness in that. We are to desire the salvation of men, whatever the cost. And the cost is always high.

5. John 18:6. What caused the men in the garden to fall to the ground?

I’ve heard, as have you perhaps, the theories of men. Like, it was dark. They were shocked. They stumbled and fell, collectively. The front row stepped back in surprise and it started a domino effect, etc…

I prefer to think more in terms of an Elijah moment. They came in touch with the power of God and there was nothing else they could do. Every knee shall bow one day. Before they arrested Him, they were forced into a show of respect to royalty.