Three topics are covered in this passage and in the sermon. Jesus speaks of he and his Father being glorified in the cross, the coming separation from his disciples and calls his disciples to love one another as he has loved them.
Read John 13:31-35
Jesus and Judas
This passage contains both encouragement and warning. The encouragement is conveyed by the way that Jesus tells his disciples that one of them is going to betray him. He shows that the betrayal will happen in fulfillment of Scripture and thus in accordance with God’s plan. The warning is conveyed by the fact that Judas was not suspected by the other disciples as a traitor, showing that it is possible to be a respected member of the community of faith without being a genuine believer.
Read John 13:18-30
A Lament Because of Persecution
This sermon considers David’s cry for help and description of his situation, his prayer for God to punish his enemies, how parts of the psalm are fulfilled in Jesus Christ and David’s expression of praise and thanksgiving at the end of the psalm.
Read Psalm 69
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
This passage emphasizes the love of Jesus for his people and calls us to imitate him by humbly serving others.
Read John 13:1-17
Two Ways to Live
Psalm 1 warns against being influenced by the thinking and attitudes of people who live in rebellion against God and encourages being shaped by constant meditation on the Word of God. Lives shaped by the Word will be fruitful and be lived under God’s favor while lives shaped by the world are empty and useless and will end in separation from God and his people.
Read Psalm 1
Gospel Blessings in the Latter Days
The message of this text is that in the latter days the nations shall come to the place where God reveals himself and his ways. This was initially fulfilled during the time of Christ and at Pentecost. It continues to be fulfilled in the present and will be completely fulfilled in the final state.
Read Isaiah 2:1-3
The Significance of Giving
In this passage Paul discusses the gift that the Philippians had sent to him giving them and us instruction concerning the spiritual significance of giving to support the advance of the gospel and those who are being persecuted.
Read Philippians 4:10-23
The Office of Deacon
This passage is part of the development of the office of deacon in the New Testament. It underscores the importance of both the ministry of prayer and the Word and the ministry of mercy in the church.
Read Acts 6:1-7
The Passover and the Lord’s Supper
Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper during the celebration of the Passover. The Lord’s Supper is to be understood in part as the fulfillment of the Passover. This sermon explores the relationship between the two ordinances.
Read Matthew 26:17-25
Psalm 23
This Psalm has always been a comfort for God’s people in times of trouble. God is the Shepherd of his people and as such he guides their lives and provided for all their needs. This is true even when the path is difficult.
Read Psalm 23:1-6