By Michael C. Mack What were the circumstances when your parents, a teacher, or some other authority told you, “I’m doing this for your own good”? Have you ever used this line with anyone? Read John 16:4b-15. How would Jesus’ departure be good for the disciples? In what specific ways is it good for us […]
By Sam E. Stone The Holy Spirit’s role was noted on several occasions during Jesus’ earthly ministry. When John the Baptist immersed Jesus in the Jordan River, the Spirit descended in the form of a dove (John 1:32). When Jesus was teaching Nicodemus, he emphasized the need for all sinners to be born of […]
By S’ambrosia Wasike There was a time when listening to my mother lecture me with Bible verses was one of the most painstaking events in my life. Desperately seeking methods to display my disdain at hearing the same Scriptures over and over again, I would try yawning every 30 seconds, cutting her off, and finishing […]
By Sam E. Stone In his Gospel, the apostle John often focused on a central theme for an entire chapter (John 14, 15, 16, 17). The predominant note in John 14 is comfort. The setting is the night on which Jesus was betrayed. After instituting the Lord’s Supper in the upper room, Jesus and his […]
By Michael C. Mack Think of a time when someone you love broke the news that they were soon going to leave (moving, divorcing, dying). What words describe your emotions? Read John 14:15-26. In this passage, Jesus was breaking the news to his disciples that he soon was leaving. In what ways did he try […]
