Holy Week #4 - March 28, 2013

"Father, the time has come.  Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.  ... And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."  (John 17:1, 5)

(Read John 17:1-26)

This is called "Jesus' High Priestly Prayer".  So it is important to note what Jesus prays for.  He prays for glory (a revelation of the truth that He is the great "I AM") and He prays for unity (that they may be one), and He links the glory to the unity.

So what should we make of this?  If Jesus as our High Priest is praying this prayer, then what should be our greatest concern as God's children?  What other things is Jesus praying, and how can we begin to pray those same prayers today?

Holy week post #1

"A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men (people) will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  (John 13:34-35)

During holy week we are reading through the second part of John's gospel together.  Today we begin in John 13 (Read John 13:1-38).  Here Jesus shows the extent of His love to His disciples by serving them.

What stands out to you in this reading?  How do you see Jesus revealing more of His glory?  Why do you think Jesus gives "a new command"?  What does this "new command" mean for those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus?  How can we obey this "new command" today?