In John 21, Jesus addresses Peter’s denial and He restores Peter. We learn that we are all in need of restoration and God delights in restoring us to use us. We also learn this restoration is often difficult and even painful. However, we are encouraged because God’s restoration is worth it!

In John 19, we arrive at the heart of the Christian faith, the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are familiar with the details of Jesus’ death, but we want to consider this event without becoming numb to it. We discover that God is in control in John 19 and we talk about why God allows (and even plans) these terrible events to happen to His Son. We are encourage to cherish and cling to the cross of Christ.

In John 17 we catch a glimpse into the heart of Jesus as He prays for Himself and His disciples on the night of His arrest. This longest recorded prayer of Jesus is often called the High Priestly Prayer because He is serving as a priest before the Father on behalf of His people. As we look at the five main petitions in His prayer, we are encouraged because we also discover what Jesus is most likely praying for us right now as He intercedes for us as our priest.

In John 14, Jesus tells His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. He comforts them by explaining how He provides for them even in their sadness. Like the disciples we often experience sadness and discouragement, and we discover how we can be encouraged. We learn several ways Jesus provides for us as we come to know Him as comforter.

In John 12 we see Jesus embracing the title of king. We also see several responses to Jesus’ claim to the crown. People respond to Jesus in the same ways today, and these responses include rejection, confusion, and following superficially. We discover what it looks like to follow faithfully and we learn why we should follow the King even when it’s difficult.