This morning we return to the Gospel of John. But before we begin, let's review some background information concerning John's account of Jesus. The aging Apostle John wrote his gospel in the 80's AD. The Synoptics were already in circulation. His purpose was clear: the salvation of his readers through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. John writes in 20:31 – "these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." So believing in Jesus is the crucial concept in John's Gospel! John framed-up the first half of his story (chapters 1-12) around seven specific signs that testified to Jesus as the Son of God.In addition to saving faith, John stresses the deity of Christ. Jesus is truly man and truly God. He Himself claimed (12:45) "He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me." Finally, it would be good to remember as we move from the Jesus' public ministry to Israel to His private ministry to His disciples, Israel had rejected Jesus.
Now let's return to the Gospel of John! Open your Bible to John 13:1-17.
John moves from the first to the second half of his gospel. The second half (13-21) focus on Jesus' personal ministry to His disciples, including His crucifixion, resurrection and the events that followed. Half of this section is spent detailing the 9-10 hours Jesus spent alone with the Twelve. immediately before His pre-dawn betrayal. This morning's encouragement and instructions will undergird the disciples' entire ministry.
Jesus shares the foundation of His ministry: v.1 Amazing love. vv.2-11 Shocking humility. vv.12-17 Compelling beatitude.
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