One of the things that strikes me in today's reading is the breadth of the teaching of Jesus in these chapters. If you will allow the analogy, herein is the commencement address to His followers whom He will be leaving via the cross, resurrection and ascension. What would be the last thing you say to your guys before the snowball starts rolling down the hill?
A reminder of how we are to treat one another, shown by Jesus and taught by Him (John 13).
An understanding of the importance of obedience to Him, even in His absence, so we don't confuse mushy experience-driven emotion with true love for Christ and the Father (John 14).
A powerful picture of what life after Jesus' ascension will look like, particularly about how dependent on Him we will remain if we want to do anything worthwhile (John 15).
A moving and challenging instruction on the nature and role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers as well as the watching world, appropriately coupled with the exhortation to pray and ask for things from the Father in the name of Christ (John 16).
A prayer for Himself, His apostles, and His followers (yes, even us!) as He readies to endure the cross and despise its shame before claiming victory over our greatest foes, sin and death (John 17).
Amazing.
But that's just me thinking thoughts...
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