John Part 2
Purpose Driven
All four Gospels ‘hurry on’ to the great climax of the story of Jesus – the confrontation in Jerusalem, culminating in the cross and resurrection.
John heralds this cosmic climax as “His hour had come…” and that ‘hour’, seen by John as the glorifying of Jesus, would change friends, foes and foreigners.
Chapter 12 verses 17 to 33.
Question – How would you describe ‘his hour’?
Input
Can you blame people who imagined the Messiah must come as an irresistible warrior king, crushing all God’s enemies, now being faced with the unthinkable – a murdered Messiah?
Output
Jesus prepared his disciples by example (Chapter 13):
* by explanation-(Chapter 14)
* by exposition-(Chapter 15)
* by promises-(Chapter 16)
* by prayer-(Chapter 17)
Select one of the above and, as a Group, work through it by reading and questioning.
The Passion (Chapters 18 to 20)
Describe in your own words how John reports the arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
If you have time to re-live this story, piece by piece, go right through it letting it speak for itself, even if you have to make an extra meeting out of it.
As a Prelude to Prayer, use the Gospel Epilogue
In Chapter 21 verses 15 to 22, the disappointed and disappointing ‘fishes of men’ are re-commissioned by the risen Jesus.Note the three priorities given to Peter and to us about where your love should lie, what your life is for, and where your loyalty lies.
Question – Can you put these three into your own words as you pray together?

Optional Home Preparation for Next Session read Acts Chapters 1 to 14.

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