Page 106 - The Gospel of John - Student textbook

Application: John 17:20 – 26
Answering the Prayer of Jesus

As a prayer of Jesus closes, I find it in His words a challenge each of us must answer. I find
three specific applications. They’re simple, but they speak to the heart.

First, to grow in unity requires giving in. If you plan to be a person of unity, you’ll have to give in. And I use that
expression in its best sense. By “give in,” I mean we should be flexible in terms of style. Be open. Be
accommodating. Be gracious. Don’t give in and in terms of absolute biblical truth, but for heaven’s sake, relax!
As the years pass ministry has rounded off my rough edges, I’ve come to see that so many of the issues they use
to keep me awake at night actually made the church better and stronger. I think God uses people who have a
wide tolerance level to keep His church flexible in style yet firm on truth.

Second, to know our destiny requires giving up. You cannot keep your way and get to heaven. If you’re going to
get to heaven, you have to go God’s way. You’ll have to give up your plan and get yourself on the Lord’s agenda.
I’m not talking about cleaning up your act or reforming your behavior. You undoubtable know from experience
how that will work out.

I’m talking about believing in Jesus Christ, receiving the gift of eternal life, and trusting that He will do a
marvelous work of transformation within you. Give up your belief in your own ability to reform humanity’s
gradual improvement. Take on Christ’s divine plan, the gift of eternal life.

Third, to show His love means giving out. Please don’t think for a moment that you really have Christian love if
it’s not expressed. There’s no such thing as repressed Christian love. Christian love is, by definition, active. That
doesn’t mean you’re always in perpetual motion. It does mean, however, that your love relationship with other
believers is characterized by tangible or observable expressions of love. It also means that you take the time to
demonstrate kindness and compassion to people outside the church – including your enemies.

The 7 Trials of Jesus

Time Type Authority Scripture Accusations Legality Results
1 2:00 Jewish Annas, ex- John Pre–trial Illegal because it Purpose was to
AM Preliminary high priest 18:13-23 trumped–up was unauthorized gain evidence for
ex- of Jews charges. General inquiry held at the trial. “Guilty”
amination questioning, night at residence of irreverence.
nothing specific of Annas. Taken to
Prejudice. No Caiaphas.
specific charges.
Violent.
2 3:30 Jewish Caiaphas, Matt. Blasphemy; Illegal because held Guilty of
AM current 26:56- claimed to be at night at blasphemy by
high priest, 68; Mk. the Messiah, Son residence of common consent.
and 14:53- of God Caiaphas. Perjured Sent to the
members 65; Jn. witnesses could not Sanhedrin
of 18:24 agree. Violence.
Sanhedrin

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