For more information about the "7 Arrows" Bible study method, click here. Notes listed below are from Ed Earnest as an encouragement. You prayerfully & carefully study the passage & see what God shows you.
READ John chapter 17 and answer these questions (reviewed at Connection Groups on January 19, 2020).
- WHAT DOES THIS PASSAGE SAY? Jesus prays for his current disciples and future disciples.
- WHAT DOES THIS PASSAGE MEAN TO ITS ORIGINAL AUDIENCE? 1st century Jews’ ears would once again perk up at Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah.
- WHAT DOES THIS PASSAGE TELL US ABOUT GOD? Jesus has specific plans and concerns for his followers.
- WHAT DOES THIS PASSAGE TELL US ABOUT MAN? Even Christ followers have an “Achilles heel”- namely: spiritual attack (v.11), lack of joy (v.13), hatred of the world (v.15), being paralyzed by sin (v.17), disunity (v.21), and a tendency to think this world is home (v.24).
- WHAT DOES THIS PASSAGE DEMAND OF ME? I would be wise to recognize Jesus’ concerns and walk with him closely.
- HOW DOES THIS PASSAGE CHANGE THE WAY I RELATE TO PEOPLE? I am not the only Christ follower who Jesus prayed for. I need to pray and equip my brothers and sisters as Jesus prayed.
- HOW DOES THIS PASSAGE PROMPT ME TO PRAY? Father, help me to learn from Jesus’ prayer. Thank you for hearing my prayers.