John 14: 15-21, Acts 17:22-31 Our John passage has been entitled in our Bibles as, “The Promise of the Holy Spirit,” yet there is so much more to explore. Jesus here says if you love me, you will keep my commandments. But by their own weak spirits the disciples cannot do this by themselves They can’t even stay awake in Gethsemane. So, he promises an advocate for them – the Spirit of Truth which will abide in them. When he talks about the time they will not see him, he is telling about the three days after his crucifixion. These days Christ will be considered a martyr. But Jesus promised them that they will see him again. He is talking about the days he will appear to them after his resurrection from the dead. He says the potent line, “Because I live you also will live.” Not only did Christ have life after death but the disciples will too due to his work on the cross atoning for their sins. The Acts account was written after Pentecost when the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit came...

 John 14:1-7, Acts 7:55-60 Our John passage is read at many a funeral. In it Jesus assures the disciples that where he is going, to his Father’s house – many believe heaven, he will prepare a place for them. Thus, when we die Jesus has prepared many dwelling places. When Philip asks him to verify the way there, Jesus states one of his greatest “I am” statements. He says, “I am the Way.” Remember last week we spoke of Jesus being the gate for his sheep – his people to come through. He states this again saying, “No one comes to the Father but through me.” He not only states that he is the way but the truth and the life also. He is the way then to eternal life. He is the way to the Father’s house. He will bring them there so that where he is they may be also. In Acts we have the account of Stephen, one of the early converts of the disciples who shared this passage of hope. Stephen is known as the first Christian martyr. He gives a long sermon telling the truth about their Jewish...

John 10:1-10, I Peter 2:19-25 We all know the metaphor of Jesus being the Good Shepherd but in our John account Jesus says he is not only the Good Shepherd but is also the gate for the sheep. Those who enter through him will be saved and find pasture. This image of Jesus being the gate may reflect the practice of shepherds lying in front of the opening to the sheep fold. This shepherd-sheep relationship is one of intimacy, guidance, and care. Jesus being the Good Shepherd knows his sheep by name and leads them out since the sheep know his voice. This is in contrast to the stranger, thief, and bandit who climb in another way. These thieves represent the political and religious leaders of the time. While the Good Shepherd gives abundant life, these thieves come only to steal, kill, and destroy. This passage is followed by Jesus stating he is the Good Shepherd and details the good he does for the sheep. Our Peter account talks about suffering justly and unjustly. Enduring unjust suf...