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Q4. (John 14:27) If it doesn't mean cessation of conflict in our everyday lives, what then is the peace that Jesus offers us now? "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (14:27) First of all, there is only NOW, the present, but we can think a lot about the past or future. We can worry about what might never happen. Or we can believe that for those who trust in the Lord, all things happening NOW are for my good, but only if I'm fully surrendered, fully trusting Him. Jesus offers peace and security NOW. Not in 5 minutes, but now. When he says "don't be afraid." I think of all my self centered fears that limit my life. But I try not ot think too much, as I'm no longer "present" If we trust Him in the present, NOW, then we have this peace. So prayer, meditation, how ver much it takes to be present and trust Him on everything.

Q3. (John 14:25-26). What do we learn about the Paraclete in verses 25 and 26? Who is he? Why is his teaching/reminding role important to the apostles? " 25 All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (14:25-26) Anyone sent by God to teach us is very important, to listen to. So good ideas come from Him. Bad ideas don't. We need to validate ideas that come to us, unless they are so obviously good... but then are they? Like what should we say to a person whose father just died? An idea may pop in our mind, but do we know if the person was Christian, is the survivor Christian? We do have the letters of Paul that explain to us how to live like Christians. Who do we listen to and do we know it is the Spirit that is leading us? If we are to become or are disciples, then hearing the Holy Spirit seems to be very very important. So reading what the disciples did after they received the Holy Spirit is also important, to get examples. Applying all this to now, is only about NOW, and being led by God's spirit, NOW

Q2. (John 14:15, 21-25) How is obedience to Jesus linked to loving him? When Jesus emphasizes obedience, what keeps this from being the heavy burden of a new legalism? Can we love Jesus and not obey him? If so, how? We can believe that we are doing something right, using our old rules before we were saved. Jesus said "forgive them father they don't know what they are doing." But at some point awareness via the Holy Spirit has to take over, as we evolve and are shown the truth. The more we study the Bible and feel His love and learn it in our minds, the more chance we have of deciding to do the right thing, not the old thing. it is a transformation process and we are led by God to do this naturally, not forcibly. Though we might notice pain in having to change our ways, this is also God's plan, and it is all about love and obedience as a good child, to make Him happy about our new ways. It is the Holy Spirit taking over, as we learn to will this by prayer, meditation and slower decision making. We give up control and let Him lead us, oh what a job to learn and love and obey. Live is easier for us "18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." (14:18-20) As we slowly get to this point, we really seek to follow, and hear Him as much as possible. What a joyful revelation, learning how to let go and let GOD!

Q1. (John 14:15-17) What do you think is the best way to describe the Paraklētos that Jesus sends? In what sense is the Holy Spirit "another" Paraclete? Who was the initial Paraclete? In what way can the Holy Spirit replace him? We know that for the Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to them and spoke tongues they didn't know, a miracle. This was God's plan to grow His kingdom through through Jesus's disciples. Jesus was their initial counselor, though they didn't understand the big picture, which we can more easily see by studying the Bible and for example this study of John. the Holy Spirit, replacing Jesus, because as a physical man, he returned to heaven. And the Triune God, being the only God that really exists, we can now see the purpose and comfort of having God living in us. We need this constant guidance in this fallen world, especially with TV, internet, and temptations of the world's pleasures constantly in front of us. In remaining in Jesus, we are calling upon the Holy Spirit to guide us all the time. Praise God for such a total solution to good living today!

Q6. (John 14:13-14) What does it mean to pray "in Jesus' name"? What happens to prayers that are out of his will and purposes? Are there any practical limits to this promise of answered prayer He said that anything in His name is possible, but "I can do all things through Christ..." this means I have to be in His will, otherwise I an not remaining in Him. and if I am "in Him" I will only pray that it be done according to His will. One can not put the cart before the horse, on can't be changing the will of God. if we are lucky enough to know His will of the moment, we are truly blessed. Oh Lord help me to find thy will and obey you all the time, in Jesus name amen

Q5. (John 14:8) What happens after Jesus' "glorification" that enables believers to do greater things than Jesus? Is this promise limited to the apostles? Why are Christians today uncomfortable with this promise? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. So clearly in the moment, I may find me faith to be good and strong. I can only believe that my surrender is not nearly what He expects, in doing these things. Even if I was a great spiritual leader, would I try to do things God has not planned? only in following Him perfectly (as he said in Matthew - you shall be perfect) only then would I be able to glorify Him by being the piece of clay I hope to be some day soon. But to be comfortable with how we are now is also critical. God loves us and this is his plan today, that we answer these bible study questions and meditate on them deeply, even if it is uncomfortable. I Pray that my surrender today will allow the Holy Spirit to bring me to an new place, that I am willingly wanting to surrender to.

Q4. (John 14:1b, 6-11) In what sense is trusting Jesus the same as trusting God? How accurately does Jesus portray God's actions and words? What does it mean that Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:30)? Jesus is God. It can be seen in His miracles and the way He talks to people. You can read it on His face. Jesus says He only says and does what God wants, His model is to follow God 100%, total surrender. This give Him God's power, but only can it be used for God's will. As Jesus tells us to "remain in Him" in John 15. He himself is constantly remaining in the Father, So in humbling Himself to do God's will only, He is following His own principles. Will we be giving all control to God by remaining in Jesus fully? The answer is yes. But it is easy and not easy to remain in Him. This is how Jesus and the Father are one, one in the same.\. Easy to say, but oh so deep. A deep love and compassion to have saved us all by death on the cross.

Q3. (John 14:6d) Is it intolerant to believe that no one comes to God except through Jesus? How does Jesus' death and resurrection atone for the sins of the Old Testament saints? Why are some Christians uncomfortable with the statement that "No one comes to the Father but by me"? It is better to find the most positive loving way to say how we will be saved, John 3:16 because it gives us all a focus on Jesus. To be Christian is to be a believer of Jesus. He is the center, He is our everything. There is no one else who can save, no one else who raised the dead, healed the lame and blind, no one else. Anyone uncomfortable with this is still early on a walk with God, or already on the road to perdition. Also, the "bigness" of the value of eternal life is not easily grasped. But you can't buy this in a store and apply it to our skin or take like a pill. There is no other way. But knowing Him is to love Him, His ways, and His word, our only real truth in life. The rest is like TV commercials, sounds good but not really true in the long term, or in the moment. Heaven help us, thank you God for Jesus!

Q2. (John 14:6) In what sense is Jesus the Way to God? What does it mean to "follow Jesus"? In what sense is Jesus in himself God's Truth? What are the implications of this for us and our world? In what sense is Jesus God's Life? How does this affect us and those we speak to about him? John 3:16 tells us the way and the truth, He is the only way. No other! When we truly believe, we are gently taken forward in trials and challenges to remember to help others, pray for them and for God to prevail and help all of us do the right thing. And to follow His will every moment that we can. Jesus as a man form is/was God's life on earth. There is in reality nothing more important than to know Him, trust Him and seek Him more, and to flow like a river to be more like Him in the moment. Not just comfort, but joy to serve as we see things in front of us. What a blessing, what a joy, to know more and follow better.

Q1. (John 14:2) What is the "Father's House"? What does verse 2 tell us about what Jesus will do, and what is provided for us? How does that comfort us? Father's house is where we go when we leave this world, as a sheep or follower of Christ, not as a goat. So death will not be the end. We will be with Him. We imagine this to be in human form, since he explains it this way, but it could be deeper, more spiritual. But we would not understand this and no point to think otherwise. He uses the "house" as our place near to Him and Father. When we are older, or suddenly dying, this is what we need to hold on to and keep running the race, as Paul said, despite life's challenges. To seek to follow Him, and trust His way is the best for our life today and in the future. This requires ever DEEPER belief, as life goes forward.

Q6. (John 13:35) In what sense is love for one another an indicator to all of our status (or lack of status) as Jesus' disciples? Why do we sometimes avoid living in an intimate Christian community in favor of only a large-meeting expression of our faith? Why is it so difficult to love people in an intimate Christian community? How does your church or group measure up by the indicator of love for one another? How do you measure up? Sometimes we feel we are in need and should be served, but that is not what being a Christian is about Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. St Francis of Assisi showed us that being Christian, being like Christ, is not at all about us, or what we think we need. fi we remain in Christ, we are filled and can do these things. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Rejoice in all things, again I say rejoice; we are lucky to be alive and better yet, lucky that God chose us to be alive in Christ. Jesus gently teaches us to love, and serve all. This means I need to pray more and more, like right now. I can never measure up to Jesus, but I can ask Him to help me die to myself and then become a better instrument in the Kingdom. First surrender ALL, that means ALL.

Q5. (John 13:34) Why is love exalted to the level of a command? How does love characterize Jesus' life? In what way does love fulfill the law and the prophets? God's love is real. It is deep, from the oxygen created by plants, in abundance, to all the blessings we get but take for granted. And they happened daily, every day. Then to send his only son to die for us. The more we study, the more we are in awe of God's love, the more we need it and become addicted to it, the better. It is the reverse of being addicted to sins. Jesus served and healed all. He loved all and filled their needs. for those who follow Him closely. Then He capped it saying, you need to be like me, and love like I do. Only total surrender, He wants it all. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2) If you love God first and most, you will put yourself last out of love for following God. Just unbelievable what Jesus teaches, total surrender is the only way. easy to say, not so easy to do.

Q4. (John 13:27-30) Judas gave into his temptation to greed by stealing from the mission's money bag. How does habitual sin tend to open us to greater influence from Satan in our lives? How did Judas eating Jesus' bread illustrate the magnitude of his betrayal? The seven deadly sins, wrath, greed, sloth, pride, ****, envy, and gluttony, part of my repertoire, though not willing to convict ourselves, we need the Holy Spirit to teach us. Judas needed Jesus to convict him in front of the others, in this way they would understand later that this was indeed God's plan. he makes it all good, even from evil deeds. Judas had planned it and Jesus showed him that he already knew it. He told Judas to go do it. This needed to happen for Jesus to die when he did. it was all God's plan to show how he would overcome death on the cross. The humble servant King, our Savior!

Q3. (Luke 22:25-27) In the world, Great Men have others serve them and exalt them with great titles. How is the Kingdom of God to be different than that? How has Roman Catholic Pope Francis I set an example of humility before his flock? Jesus almost always reverses things to understand how we should serve like He did. To be as humble as possible, helping someone and expecting nothing. Great lessons for me. Learning what Pope Francis did amazed me. I would not have believed it but it is true. It is a great example for all of us, and I and we all need more humility before our creator and savior. He gave it all to save us and heal us. And He wants all of us deeply committed to His teaching, to let Him save others through us. unbelievable, but then God and Jesus are so amazing in how they/he teaches us. It seems I have a long way to go, and need to meditate on this seriously.

Q2. (John 13:14-15) Why do you think Jesus went to such an extent to break all social norms in washing his disciples feet? What value did he establish in his Kingdom by this dramatic act? How are we to live this out in the Christian community? For us to be ready to server at any moment truly means any moment. This is not so easy, to love and serve the ugly, in appearance, personality, or general nature. Still, we are told to love as He did. raising the bar very high indeed. Those who are in the ministry ordained seem to have the hearts to do this 24/7. But where is this taking me, and do I really want to have a choice about this? Starting in my own house/family/wife/kids, with real friends, and fellow saints of my church.

Q1. (John 13:10) Jesus seems to speak to Peter in symbolic language here. In what sense does a "full bath" represent baptism? If this is so, then what kind of needed cleansing does "foot washing" symbolize? I for one would be very uncomfortable to let Jesus, my savior and creator, wash my feet. The full baptism of my spat life of sin; this seems like a unbelievable gift, and something God would do in a church or lake, via the Holy Spirit. But for God to physically wash my feet, if he was really doing it. I would probably resist like Peter, since I am impatient and egoist-self-reliant , though I try to hide it. I/we can't hide anything from God. So if baptism is for the entire life up til that moment, then it seems the foot washing is for what happens after that. Any we need to admit we are sinners, and always will be, and that we need to repent and surrender every day to Him. Sill, to see His as our servant, the one who came to serve/heal all and to save us all. that seems to fit his role. But washing my feet, saving me daily, for now and forever, I realize I need Him. I should not fight He who would save me from temptations to sin. Should means, I should, not that I can do it easily. But He says to Peter, there is no other way. Let Him save us/me, so we can be served and saved by Him to save others. This can only happen by humbly letting God do the saving. By ourselves we can do nothing.

Q5. (John 12:42-43) When we are quiet about our relationship to God out of fear that people will criticize us, what does this say about our priorities? About whether we are true disciples? When Peter denied knowing Jesus in the High Priest's courtyard, what was the effect in his life? We can judge others who deny Him when we are evangelizing, but what does this mean? Are we denying Jesus full control and causing those denying to be hardened, and to be sinning ourselves? Who would give us the right to ask someone what they know about God? If they are saved? in a few sentences we can tell of Jesus' transforming impact on our lives. The rest is about them, and must be asked by the Holy Spirit, not from our own minds. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4, be prayed up and ready to witness and speak to their hearts with His love and inquisitive humble tone of voice. We like Peter have denied God more than we would like to admit. But still, we are forgiven; so we can try to let Him lead us again, to His glory, for His Kingdom, what ever He puts in front of us. For Peter, denying His savior 3 times helped him recognize what he shamefully had to give up, his own fears. Does this sound familiar, yes I convict myself and confess oh Lord, thy will be done not mine, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Q4. (John 12:37-41) In what way does declaring truth to resistant people harden them further? How can a person (or a Pharisee) see a miracle and become even more determined to resist Jesus? How do you understand this paradox? Am I to be piercing others hearts with His truth tonight. Who will show up? Me or Jesus? Will I block out Hispanic words that help me lose my focus, or will I listen intently to each breath? Will I be of one accord or blocked by my old ways of sin and self centeredness ? We are all resisting to some extent if we are trying by ourselves to win souls for the Lord. Prayer and slow patience to their reactions will allow us to do God's will in evangelizing. Only God knows what is inside of them. I am His instrument, and empty vessel to carry a message and tone of voice that is not mine, but that of the Master. Oh sacred potter of my clay, please show me what to do tonight. In Jesus name, amen.

Q3. (John 12:32-33) What does Jesus mean when he talks about being "lifted up." Do you think Jesus means being "lifted up" literally or figuratively or both? "Extra credit": How does this phrase relate to Isaiah 52:13? How does it relate to Philippians 2:8-9? Jesus was lifted up on the cross to bear our sins and save our souls. Praise His Holy Name! Jesus was lifted up from the grave to show the promise of eternity with Him for those who die to Him, as His disciples. Jesus was lifted up to heaven, to show us where He is until He returns to bring about the final victory over sin and the evils of this world, led by the devil, who has no power over those who are surrendered to Christ. LET US ALL DIGEST THIS DEEPLY. LET ME SURRENDER MORE DEEPLY Philippians 2:8-9King James Version (KJV) 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: The servant King was to wash His disciples feet to remind them He came to server and save, not to judge. That will come later. It is my soul that crises out Hosanna, for my heart is often stuck in my old prideful ways when I was sure I knew God yet kept my 11th, 12th and 13th earthy commandments. Let me breath in this life and energy if God is willing, an send me out to tell the lost of His love, grace and mercy. Le me by humbled to exalt His Holy name.

Q2. (John 12:25-26) In what way is verse 25 the essence of what it means to be a disciple? In this verse, what does it mean to "love" your life? What does it mean to "hate" your life? How did Jesus live this out in the Garden of Gethsemane? It is easy to hate some of my life. The more I study the Bible, the more I can easily confess that I am a worthless sinner. I have no merit for God's grace and mercy. Still, it is offered to me, if I will surrender deeper to HIM. He loves to show me this because "hardship is the pathway to peace, to Christ." Not remaining in Christ, per John 15, is a dangerous way to live for some one who knows they are ADHD. And a challenge, since it is by some evil habitual nature that such wandering came about. Hating my life and letting go of old ways, of the world, this is what He is asking us to do. So that our joy will be complete, and we'll desire to tell others how good it feels; and how God is alive in me, so I can serve others above myself. Let the deeper healing come oh Lord, what I really need, what we all really need. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Q1. (John 12:23-24) How can God's glory be revealed even in death? How does the seed illustrate this? How does Jesus' death illustrate this? How does us dying to our old life illustrate this? For those that truly believe deep in their hearts and minds, it is God's invitation into eternity. It is the separation from the difficulties that go with the physical world we are bound to in human life. Still, we who are here by God's grace know how precious life is, or are at least learning this as we study Jesus' life and spoke words. Still to "cross over" and fully trust God beyond ALL the things that rust and decay in this world, it is a process and a life journey, seeking God's will in our moments of life and breath. Jesus uses the seed to show how using us, as we die to Him, this is how God's kingdom multiplies, and in His time, not ours. So being faithful and outwardly happy despite hard times, this is our ticket to peace, beyond what anyone could understand, peace in Christ Jesus. HE said, "remain in me..." Dying to our old life is the sweet surrender to God's will, to abandon our own, all the time. Our own no longer exists when we have truly died to Christ and can maintain our spiritual connection to God's will. Oh that I long to die and remain dead to my old ways, what price must I pay? The deeper we/I get, the more Holy Spirit can show us our/my sin, selfishness, embedded self-centered fears, impatience in more moments than we/I recognize. "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13 "Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." Jonah 4:3

Q5. (John 12:42-43) When we are quiet about our relationship to God out of fear that people will criticize us, what does this say about our priorities? About whether we are true disciples? When Peter denied knowing Jesus in the High Priest's courtyard, what was the effect in his life? Jesus told Peter he would be the rock on which His church would be built. He also said Peter would deny Him three times. Jesus said "do you love me" three times, and Peter knew why. So the bible and its truthful stories are exciting and amazing as to what real human do, should do and don't do. I am a very human sinner and am in a hopeless state without my Jesus. Still, I hope and pray for the grace to trust Him more. God knows us, and it is His will and destiny we can try to follow or really let go and follow. Its about trust, and life is an exciting mystery what might happen next. If we hang on to Him, and recognize anything can happen, and without Him, it might really hurt us... we have good reason to believe everything that happens is good for us. We will remain saved and ready to serve. According to God's plan for us.

Q4. (John 12:37-41) In what way does declaring truth to resistant people harden them further? How can a person (or a Pharisee) see a miracle and become even more determined to resist Jesus? How do you understand this paradox? This is a great great point of evangelism on our own, rather than letting God speak through us. Having been the impatient evangelist.. sometimes still am... I would talk too much, and expect a positive spiritual reaction from the person in front of me. I would call this "my sin," in not letting God lead. Also causing the other person to sin by declaring something negative about Jesus. God give me more patience through trials and some suffering, yet I'm still here, praise God. But, God already knew I would be like this. Only if we insist might the person 's heart be hardened, but possibly not for eternity. Let's not give ourselves so much "credit." Life is a miracle, being able to see is a miraculous thing created by God for all of us. Being spiritually blind at a given moment, is not necessarily forever. We are not God and don't know the fate of others, for sure. All of us see miracles of life every day, we can choose to not give God credit for this. Many don't... Look at how Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman at the well. In seven phrases, He transformed and saved her. We say we can't do that and it is true, but don't say that God can't do anything through us, if we let Him fully run the show in the moment. He already know how all things will go, according to His will not ours. We are blessed to be here now and hopefully grow permanently from this bible study.

Thy will be done oh Lord, let me die to my life and be lifted up by thee, in your time, not mine. May I server thee today according to thy will

Q2. (John 12:25-26) In what way is verse 25 the essence of what it means to be a disciple? In this verse, what does it mean to "love" your life? What does it mean to "hate" your life? How did Jesus live this out in the Garden of Gethsemane? "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:24-25) "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (12:25) What could more better express following God's will that to reject anything that is of this world, to follow Him? Is this not what every pastor and priest and rabbi has done. It is not easy to despise the world and be in it. We can too easily judge the others that might not yet be called to take the path of the Kingdom. If I don't "hate my life" it would not make sense to let it go; or maybe I just don't hear Him and what He is asking me to do. Jesus was never "of this world" or He would have sinned and lost connection with the Father, Sounds like a familiar story for me in my life. I seem to not yet be ready to give it all up. Seeking God's will