Abide in Love: The Heart of Jesus Revealed
- Be God's Glory
- Nov 5
- 11 min read
Welcome to Day 308 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In these powerful chapters, Jesus opens His heart to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, revealing the depth of His love, humility, and divine purpose. As He washes their feet, comforts them with promises of the Holy Spirit, and commands them to abide in His love, we witness the full expression of God’s character through Christ. This section captures the most intimate moments between Jesus and His followers—a glimpse into His servant nature, His unity with the Father, and His call for believers to remain steadfast in love and obedience. These chapters are a portrait of divine intimacy and discipleship, showing what it truly means to walk with Christ and reflect His heart in a world that often rejects Him.
John 13
John 13 begins with Jesus performing one of the most profound acts of humility—washing His disciples’ feet. Though He knew His hour had come to return to the Father, Jesus chose to serve, demonstrating that true leadership in the Kingdom of God is rooted in humility and love. Peter initially resists, not understanding that this symbolic act points to spiritual cleansing through Christ. Afterward, Jesus reveals that one among them—Judas Iscariot—would betray Him, fulfilling Scripture and setting in motion the events leading to His crucifixion. He then gives His disciples a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved them. This command becomes the defining mark of true discipleship. Through this chapter, we see the heart of God as a Servant—holy, humble, and compassionate—calling His followers to reflect the same love that stoops low to lift others up.
John 14
In John 14, Jesus comforts His disciples, who are troubled by His impending departure. He assures them that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house and that He Himself is the way, the truth, and the life—no one comes to the Father except through Him. When Philip asks to see the Father, Jesus reveals that to see Him is to see the Father, emphasizing His divine unity with God. He promises that the Holy Spirit, the Helper, will come to teach and remind them of all He has said, giving them peace the world cannot offer. This chapter highlights Jesus as the Revealer of the Father and the Giver of divine peace. It reminds believers that though He is not physically present, His Spirit dwells within them—bringing comfort, guidance, and the assurance of eternal hope.
John 15
John 15 presents one of Jesus’ most vivid teachings—the vine and the branches. He declares, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser,” illustrating the believer’s dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Jesus calls His followers to abide in His love by keeping His commandments, just as He abides in the Father’s love. He elevates the relationship from servant to friend, revealing that genuine friendship with Christ is built on obedience and intimacy. The chapter also warns that the world will hate those who belong to Him, just as it hated Him, but He reassures them that they are chosen to bear lasting fruit. This passage captures the essence of discipleship—abiding, loving, and enduring through the power of divine connection with Christ.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name John comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means “Yahweh is gracious” or “God is gracious.” This is fitting for the Gospel, as it emphasizes God’s grace and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Purpose of the Book:
The Gospel of John was written to reveal the divine nature of Jesus Christ and to invite people to believe in Him as the Son of God. John explicitly states this purpose in John 20:31, saying, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John emphasizes Jesus’ deity, His relationship with the Father, and the spiritual truths behind His miracles and teachings.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, is traditionally credited as the author of this Gospel. Evidence supporting this includes:
Internal Evidence: John refers to himself indirectly as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20, 24).
Other Biblical References: Early church fathers, such as Irenaeus, cite John as the author and indicate he wrote the Gospel while residing in Ephesus. John is also mentioned in Revelation 1:1-2, 9, where the author identifies himself as the one who received visions on the island of Patmos, traditionally understood as the same John.
External Historical Sources: Early church writings such as Irenaeus’ Against Heresies (circa AD 180) affirm John as the author. Papias (circa AD 60–130) also supports this attribution, noting that John, the disciple, wrote a Gospel while in Ephesus.
Key People:
Jesus Christ: The central figure, revealed as the eternal Word, the Son of God, and Savior of the world.
John the Baptist: The forerunner of Christ who testifies about Him as the Lamb of God (John 1:29–34).
The Disciples: Peter, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, and others who follow Jesus and witness His ministry.
Mary, Mother of Jesus: She is present at Cana and plays a role in Jesus’ first miracle (John 2:1–5).
Nicodemus: A Pharisee who seeks Jesus’ teachings and learns about spiritual rebirth (John 3:1–21).
Mary Magdalene: A devoted follower who witnesses Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:11–18).
Conclusion
The Gospel of John concludes by affirming that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God and emphasizes the life-changing power of faith in Him. John presents Jesus not only as a historical figure but as the eternal Word who brings light, life, and salvation to all who believe. By witnessing His miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection, readers are invited into a personal relationship with Christ that leads to eternal life (John 20:30–31). The book leaves a clear message: belief in Jesus is the pathway to knowing God and receiving His gracious gift of salvation.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
John 13
In John 13, God’s character is revealed through Jesus’ humility, compassion, and servant heart. Though He is fully divine, Jesus kneels to wash the feet of His disciples, showing that true greatness in God’s Kingdom comes through service. This act reveals that God is not distant or prideful but approachable, gentle, and loving toward His creation. His love is unconditional, even extending to Judas—the one who would betray Him. The lesson God teaches here is that love and humility must define our relationship with others, just as it defines His relationship with us.
There are no direct Hebrew names of God mentioned in this chapter, but His nature reflects El Rachum — “The Compassionate God” (Deuteronomy 4:31). Through Christ’s actions, we see that God’s compassion is not merely emotional—it is active, reaching down to cleanse, forgive, and restore. The lesson is that believers are called to mirror this compassion, serving others with humility and grace, even when it is undeserved.
John 14
In John 14, God’s character is revealed as comforting, faithful, and ever-present. Jesus assures His disciples that He is preparing a place for them and that He Himself is the way to the Father, showing that God’s love provides both direction and eternal security. His promise of the Holy Spirit reflects His desire to dwell with His people, bringing peace that surpasses all understanding. This shows us that God’s heart is one of relationship, not distance—He desires to guide, comfort, and abide with those who love Him. The lesson is that we can trust God’s promises even when the path ahead feels uncertain because His presence remains constant.
This chapter reflects the Hebrew name Jehovah Shalom — “The Lord Is Peace” (Judges 6:24). Jesus tells His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you,” embodying the Lord’s nature as the Giver of divine peace. The lesson here is that real peace is not found in circumstances but in the presence of God Himself. When we rest in His truth and promises, His peace steadies our hearts through every trial.
John 15
In John 15, God’s character is revealed as life-giving, nurturing, and relational. Jesus portrays Himself as the true Vine and believers as the branches, emphasizing our complete dependence on Him for spiritual fruitfulness. God is shown as a loving Gardener who prunes and shapes His people for growth and purpose. His love is steady and instructive, calling us to remain in Him and bear fruit that reflects His nature. The lesson here is that intimacy with God produces the strength and character needed to thrive in faith and love.
While no direct Hebrew names are mentioned, this chapter reflects the nature of El Chay — “The Living God” (Joshua 3:10). Jesus, as the true Vine, represents the source of all life and vitality that flows from the Living God to His people. The lesson God teaches in John 15 is that apart from Him, we can do nothing—our spiritual life depends on abiding in His presence, walking in obedience, and letting His love flow through us to others.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13 reveal God’s humility and servant nature?
What does Jesus’ love for His disciples, even Judas, teach us about God’s unconditional and forgiving heart?
In John 14, how does Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit show God’s desire to remain close and present with His people?
What does Jesus being “the way, the truth, and the life” reveal about God’s reliability and exclusivity in leading us to eternal life?
How does the image of the Vine and the branches in John 15 demonstrate God’s nurturing and sustaining character?
What can we learn about God’s love and discipline from His role as the Gardener who prunes the branches?
How do these chapters together display God’s heart for relationship and intimacy with His people rather than mere obedience or religion?
Questions About Themes:
How do the themes of love and service in John 13 define what it means to be a true disciple of Christ?
In what ways does Jesus’ farewell message in John 14 reveal the theme of faith in the midst of uncertainty?
How does the coming of the Holy Spirit fulfill the theme of divine presence and empowerment for believers?
What is the significance of abiding in Christ in John 15, and how does it tie to the theme of spiritual fruitfulness?
How does Jesus redefine friendship and loyalty in John 15, especially in contrast to betrayal and denial seen earlier?
What theme connects Jesus’ call to love one another with His command to obey His teachings?
How do these chapters together portray the transition from physical closeness with Jesus to spiritual intimacy through the Holy Spirit?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what areas of your life is God calling you to show humility and serve others as Jesus did in John 13?
How can you better demonstrate Christlike love to people who may be difficult to love or who have wronged you?
What does it mean for you personally to rest in Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life” when facing confusion or doubt?
How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring peace into areas of your life where you feel anxious or troubled?
What steps can you take to remain connected—or “abide”—in Jesus daily, especially when life feels overwhelming or busy?
How is God currently pruning your life to make you more fruitful, and how can you respond with faith instead of resistance?
How can your life reflect God’s love and glory to others, showing that you are one of His disciples in both word and action?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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