Read: John 17:9-10, 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Titus 3:4-6
In what way does the comment Jesus made about being “glorified” in the disciples highlight the work of the Holy Spirit?
What does this imply about claiming to be a Christian with your words rather than by your life? Be specific.
Why will this always be the case when it comes to being a real Christian? How have you experienced this truth?
Read: John 17:8, Matthew 14:22-31, Hebrews 11:7-11
Why do you think Peter wanted to come to Jesus on the water? How did Jesus respond? What happened?
In what way did Peter demonstrate this process of developing faith? Why will it always include struggle & doubt?
How do you see faith developing in your life over the past year? What are some ways you can practice now?
Read: John 17:7-8, Hebrews 11:6, Romans 4:4-5, Galatians 2:16
Explain the difference between the disciples receiving God’s word and “coming to know the truth”. (i.e., faith)
Why is this distinction important? What does it highlight about how faith grows and develops? Be specific.
Why will this always be a key indicator for someone claiming to be a Christian? How does this help you?
Read: John 17:6, 13:21-27, 16:8, 9:13-15, Matthew 7:22-23, 23:25-28
Why do you think Jesus had such a problem with the Pharisees, given they represented God? (Hint: loopholes)
How did they demonstrate an unwillingness to change? (e.g. Sabbath rules) What does this say about their heart?
In what way can this happen in churches today? Why is it dangerous? Explain why this isn’t true Christianity.
Read: John 17:6, 6:44, 13:36-38, 14:8-11, 16:29-33, Hebrews 12:6, Ephesians 1:13-14
Explain how God “gave” the disciples to Jesus. How can this also highlight the work of the Holy Spirit?
In what way had they “kept” God’s word given Jesus needed to correct and confront them during their meal?
How does this highlight attitude over behavior and being a real Christian? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 17:1-5, Matthew 23:15, 33, Luke 12:1-10, 1 Corinthians 15:19
Why is it important to believe in hell as much as it is to believe in heaven when it comes to Christianity?
What happens to the Gospel if the topic of hell is rejected by a non-Christian? (i.e., “saved” from what?)
How does the topic of hell make you feel? Why should it motivate Christians to share the Gospel?
Read: John 17:4-5, 1:1, 14, 11:25-26, 1 Corinthians 15:16-17, 1 Peter 1:3-4
Why did Jesus ask the father to “glorify” Him? What does this highlight about the preincarnate state of Jesus?
In what way does this also relate to the resurrection? What happens to the Gospel if there was no resurrection?
What does the resurrection of Jesus teach you about your personal resurrection and the afterlife?
Read: John 17:3, 3:35-36, 14:6, Acts 4:12
What is Jesus implying by saying the “only true God”? What does He also imply by including Himself?
What does this highlight about the exclusivity of the Christian faith? How does this protect the Gospel?
In what way does this always come back to the cross when compared to other religious leaders? Be specific.
Read: John 17:1b-2, 3:16-17, Luke 2:11, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 10:9-10
What does it mean that Jesus has “authority over all flesh”? (Hint: sinful nature) Why do we not have this authority?
Why is it important to also recognize that Jesus has the authority to “give” eternal life? What is the alternative?
Given this is the central message of the Gospel, explain how Jesus provides for the afterlife. Be specific.
Read: John 17:1a, 1:29, Romans 3:23-25, 6:23, 2 Cor. 5:20-21, Luke 22:17-20, Hebrews 10:1-4
Given the “hour” refers to the crucifixion of Jesus, how does this relate to heaven and the afterlife? Be specific.
What does this imply about living a good life and earning your way to heaven? Why does this include everyone?
In what way has the world today missed this critical truth when it comes to Jesus? How does this adjust you?
Read: John 17:1a, 2:1-4, 7:1-6, 28-30, 8:20, 12:23-24, 27-28, Mark 10:45
Why did Jesus often tell others that His hour had not yet come? What changed during the last supper?
What does this highlight about the purpose and ministry of Jesus? (i.e., the cross) Why is this important?
In what way has the world redefined the purpose and ministry of Jesus? How does this help you stay focused?
Read: John 16:33, Romans 8:37
Explain what Jesus meant by “tribulation”. Given it’s ongoing, what does it mean to “take heart”?
How does this tribulation have an emotional component as well? In what way does the promise of “peace” relate?
Given emotional struggles will be a life-long challenge, how does this challenge your expectations? Be specific.
Read: John 16:29-32
In what way did the disciples show emotional and spiritual growth? What did Jesus predict would happen later?
What does this imply about managing emotions and the Christian life? Why is this important to fully understand?
Why should this prevent Christians from judging other Christians? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 16:23-28, Matthew 11:28, Luke 18:1-8a, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Why is prayer a lifeline when it comes to emotional struggles? How is this an advantage over non-Christians?
What is promised when you have continual conversations with God? Why will this be hard in emotional struggles?
What is the solution? What is the mistake? In what way does this adjust your current approach? How can it change?
Read: John 16:23-24, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25-28
What did Jesus teach His disciples about prayer? Why would this have been a new concept for them?
In what way does this refer to the cross? (i.e., “in my name”) As a result, what does Jesus promise?
What does this also imply about our emotional struggles and prayer? How will you be more prayerful today?
Read: John 16:20-22, Matthew 6:28-34
What question does Jesus pose to those who struggle with worry in Mt. 6? How was He addressing a perspective?
What can happen if this isn’t properly understood? What does this also highlight about faith?
How can you struggle with this? Give an example. What is the solution? How will you step into this today?
Read: John 16:20-22, 1 Peter 1:3-7
What is implied about feelings when Jesus says the disciples will experience both sorrow and joy?
In what way does a mother giving birth relate? Be specific. How can emotional struggles lead to growth?
What emotion are you struggling with today? (i.e., anger, sadness, fear, etc.) How does today’s truth help?
Read: John 16:19-20a, 6, 14:1, 27
What is implied about our emotions given Jesus predicted and allowed the disciples to emotionally struggle?
Explain the balance that is necessary between experiencing negative emotions and letting them guide you.
In what way does this help you in a current emotional struggle? What steps can you take toward balance?
Read: John 16:19-20a, Matthew 28:18-20, Hebrews 13:5-6
Given Jesus knew what the disciples were thinking and going to feel, what does this imply about God & our struggles?
Why is this important to remember when it comes to experiencing emotional struggles? Give an example.
What emotions do you find difficult to deal with today? (e.g., worry, sadness, etc.) How does today’s truth help you?
Read: John 16:16-18, Genesis 17:3-8, 15-18, 16:1-2
Given God promised Abraham he would be the father of a nation of people, why did he laugh at God?
What does this highlight about his confusion and the ability to make sense of the situation?
In what way was this another example of what the disciples were struggling with? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 16:16-18, Romans 11:33-36, 1 Corinthians 2:16
In what way did the disciples’ confusion lead to emotional instability? How were they really struggling with control?
What does this highlight about a controlling attitude? (i.e., emotions) Why will this be a struggle in today’s culture?
How can you be tempted into this struggle? How can you practice sitting in the “undone” today? Be specific.
Read: John 16:16-18, 10, 7:33, 12:35, 13:33, 14:19, Mark 8:31-32
Why do you think Jesus warned His disciples multiple times that He was leaving? (i.e., emotional preparation)
What was Jesus specifically referring to by “a little while”? How did the disciples respond emotionally?
What does this highlight about emotions and confusion? How is this normal? What does this teach you?
Read: John 16:14-15, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
In what way did Paul the Apostle experience the truth of John 16:14-15? Be specific.
In what way does Paul also demonstrate a listening heart when it comes to praying and a spiritual battle?
How does this encourage you? What are some ways you can incorporate a Pauline approach to your prayer life?
