7 Reasons

Why I'm excited to spend 7 weeks in John 14-16

Over the next seven weeks we’ll be rooting ourselves in Jesus’ farewell to His apostles as it’s recorded in John chapters 14-16. I’m beyond excited, and here’s why:

1. Jesus!

I’m very, very excited about sitting with Jesus. With the exception of about 3 sentences, every word in John 14-16 comes from the mouth and heart of Jesus. It’s a rare, essentially uninterrupted look at Who He is and what He cares about.

2. Timing!

I love the idea of standing in the doorway between Easter and Pentecost with intention. This section of Scripture lets us spend intimate time with Jesus in this same liminal space—the cross and resurrection in view, the coming Spirit on the horizon.

3. Layers!

Jesus is present, about to leave, and eager to come back—all at once. He’s available to and present with His apostles viscerally, and He’s simultaneously pulling away so that they can experience a vacuum the Spirit will soon fill. He tells them to abide in Him just after He tells them He’s going away. He tells them not to be troubled and that they’ll certainly be persecuted.

If you’re wondering how to live in active anticipation of Christ’s return while also abiding in the right-now presence of Christ while depending on the Spirit (even as you wait for the movement of the Spirit), these three chapters are just the strata you need.

4. Trinity!

This bit of Scripture is probably the richest exploration of the concept of “trinity” in the entire Bible. In it, we have Jesus explaining both His relationship to the Father and His relationship to the Spirit. Is it straightforward? Of course not. Which leads us to the next reason I’m excited…

5. Mystery!

If you think you know all there is to know about how God relates to God, how man relates to God, or how God relates to man, these three chapters will set you right—Of course you don’t. There’s almost as much uncertainty in my heart about these chapters as there is certainty. Which I love.

6. Peace!

Almost everything about this section of Scripture soothes me. The pace is slow. The ideas are dense. Jesus’ self-revelation lulls me into a place of security and peace. I find grounding here—a place to put down roots. And that’s, of course, the point. Jesus knows what’s coming. He knows how tempted the apostles will be to run away from everything He’s taught them. So He holds them close and says, It’s going to be okay (more than okay) even when it’s not okay.

7. Big, Big Hope!

This is a wild bit of Scripture, you guys. In it, Jesus makes promises like:

“Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these” (14:12).

and

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you” (15:7).

and

“In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you” (15:23).

There’s no missing it: Jesus’ last words to His apostles feature a coming power. Whatever’s on the other side of the resurrection isn’t some small improvement in human life. It’s HUGE. I am eager to embrace the HUGE.

Now you tell me, what are you excited about? What’s one reason you’re looking forward to jumping in?

Share in the comments!

By the way, don’t forget to share Deep Water. Slow Reading. with your friends. It’s more fun to read together.

Godspeed,

JL