John 19 emphasizes the profound sovereignty of Christ in his crucifixion, revealing how even in his suffering, every detail was part of God’s eternal plan for redemption. John highlights Christ’s compassion on the cross, his substitutionary death for sinners, and the fulfillment of Scripture, calling believers to trust in the completed work of Christ and embrace the community formed by his atoning sacrifice.

Christ’s kingdom flips worldly power structures on their head: it is a kingdom of peace, not violence; humility, not arrogance; love, not domination. Christ’s kingdom, while politically charged, brings about change through love, self-sacrifice, and hope for a renewed world.

John 18:1-11 explores how Jesus intentionally chose the location of his betrayal, demonstrating his sovereign control over his surroundings, his enemies, and the suffering he would endure, ultimately revealing the profound mystery and hope of the gospel.

In this week’s episode, we explore John 17, often called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. This prayer marks the culmination of Jesus’ farewell discourse, where He prays for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. We focus on His desire for unity among His followers, not for unity’s sake, but to show the world God’s love through genuine, God-powered love for one another.

"The birth pangs of the new world have begun in his passion, and those who follow him share them. But the joy of the new creation has also begun in his resurrection, and those who follow the way of the cross also share the joy of the new world. For them, the sufferings of this present age are but “a little while” compared to the glory that is already dawning (Rom. 8:18–39).” — Lesslie Newbigin

Jesus teaches his disciples, amongst other things, that the ministry of the Holy Spirit enables us to not only see the glory, the holiness, the radiance, the majesty of God and affirm it but to magnificently rejoice in it — to find it beautiful. 

Jesus teaches his disciples that a life of abiding in Him will have consequences. A life full of joy and love first and foremost, but also the potential for hatred and persecution from the world. Jesus wants his disciples to be prepared to face such hardships in life so that their faith is strengthened, not weakened. 

God’s gracious and empowering presence with his people is not an invitation to settle down and forget the rest of the world: it is a summons to mission. As the true vine (i.e. the true Israel), Jesus calls us to be the true branches that bear true fruit which is his life being made visible in the midst of the life of the world.

In John 14, Jesus promises his disciples "another advocate." That advocate/helper/counselor is the "Spirit of truth." What the Spirit of God primarily wants to do is tell us, teach us, remind us that we are in Jesus and as such, we are in the Father.