CFM: June 5–11
Videos and Podcasts
Video/ Podcast | Lesson Extension | Additional Materials |
Scripture Central | | |
Follow Him | ||
Line Upon Line | ||
Teaching with Power | | |
Don't Miss This | | |
CFM New Testament | ||
Unshaken | | |
The Interpreter Foundation | ||
Teaching Helps with John Hilton | | |
Talk of Him | | |
Ponderfun | ||
Talking Scripture |
Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson
In John 14-17, we encounter Jesus' final teachings with his apostles, which hold great significance as they capture the last words and thoughts of the Savior before his impending departure. Jesus lovingly addresses his disciples, offering reassurance, guidance, and profound lessons to equip them for the challenges ahead. These chapters reveal powerful insights into key doctrines, including the nature of the Godhead as three distinct individuals: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Jesus emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and the disciples' role in sharing God's message of hope and salvation.
John 17 captures Jesus offering an intimate prayer to the Father, interceding on behalf of his disciples. This prayer serves as a poignant expression of Christ's deep love and concern for his followers as he entrusts them into the care of the Father. His prayer outlines a distinct pattern of supplication that one might choose to model in their efforts to enhance their own personal prayers.
The intercessory prayer can be categorized into several key elements, including:
Authentic Petition to the Father: Jesus humbly and faithfully addresses God the Father, acknowledging His power, authority, and position. (vs1-2)
Prayer with Purpose: Jesus eloquently articulates the profound purpose of prayer—to know God intimately, to commune with Him, and to align faithfully with His divine will. Jesus glorifies the Father through his words and actions, exemplifying his love for Him and demonstrating unwavering trust in His plan of salvation. (vs.3)
Genuine Self-Reflection: Jesus affirms his divine identity and recognizes his sacred mission as the Savior and Mediator between God and humanity. He acknowledges his perpetual dependence on the Father, displaying unwavering trust and reliance on their personal relationship. (vs 4-5)
Devoted Stewardship: Jesus, fulfilling his role as the ultimate steward, presents a comprehensive report on his divine service. With clarity and depth, he accounts for the lessons delivered, the acts of service rendered, and the progress achieved during his earthly ministry. Furthermore, Jesus demonstrates his intimate knowledge of his disciples' needs and offers specific and heartfelt petitions on their behalf. These prayers encompass their protection from adversity, the cultivation of unity among them, their ongoing sanctification, and their intellectual and spiritual progression. Ever mindful of their future missions, Jesus entreats for their continuous guidance and assistance, recognizing the significance of their earthly contributions to the eternal work of God's kingdom. (vs. 6-19)
Proactive Anticipation: Jesus extends his prayer beyond his immediate disciples to include all those who will believe in him in the future. He prays for their unity, love, and their witness to the world. (vs 20)
Affirmation of Solidarity: Throughout the prayer, Jesus emphasizes unity among his followers, highlighting the significance of their oneness in connection with him and the Father. (vs.21-23)
Eternal Love: Love is a prominent theme in the intercessory prayer, with Jesus emphasizing the love between himself, the Father, and his disciples. He encourages his followers to love one another as a demonstration of their unity and faith. (vs 24)
A concluding petition expressing a sincere and righteous yearning for knowledge, wisdom, and love: Jesus concludes his prayer, expressing his desire for his disciples to be with him, to behold his glory, and to experience the fullness of the Father's love. (vs. 25-26)
John 14-17 holds immense significance as the final words Jesus delivers to his apostles before his departure. These chapters contain some of the most profound and essential lessons that Jesus desired his disciples to grasp, sacred wisdom and sound advice to provide them with comfort, guidance, and vital insights that would help them to navigate their future endeavors. They offer timeless teachings on love, unity, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the transformative power of faith. By understanding the context and significance of these chapters, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the weight and significance of Jesus' final teachings to his closest friends and followers.
These chapters hold a treasure trove of profound and transformative doctrines. While some pearls of great price are readily apparent on the surface, countless more await those who delve deeper into the text and embrace the underlying doctrines. Attempting to encompass all of these topics in this lesson guide would be an impossible task. However, for those who seek a more profound understanding, Jesus has counseled us to seek the companionship the Holy Ghost, who eagerly stands at the ready to be a steadfast guide, teacher, and interpreter for you.
The following tips and suggestions have been prepared to assist you with this task.
Preparation:
Go directly to the Source: There is no substitute for God and no substitute for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. No human, no class, no institution, no book, and no digital platform like YouTube or TikTok can rival the accuracy and clarity with which the truths of the Gospel are taught. The Holy Ghost, as the ultimate teacher appointed by God, surpasses all earthly means of instruction. This divine tutor possesses the remarkable ability to tailor the curriculum to suit the individual needs of each student, ensuring a personalized and profound learning experience. To truly comprehend the depth and richness of the Gospel, it is imperative to turn to the Source and embrace the guidance of the Holy Ghost, for in doing so, we access the most sublime and transformative teachings available to us.
Invite the Holy Ghost to accompany you: Dedicate each day, every study session, each experience, task, and interaction to the sacred presence of God's Spirit. The act of consecrating these moments ensures that you are open to receiving divine guidance and inspiration. The Holy Ghost delights in being invited and eagerly responds to such invitations. His divine influence brings clarity, peace, and wisdom to your endeavors. By actively seeking and welcoming the Spirit's companionship, you create an environment where spiritual growth flourishes and your connection with God deepens. Embrace the profound blessings that come when you consciously invite and welcome the Holy Ghost into every facet of your life.
Eliminate all obstacles that hinder the reception of the Spirit and fully embrace the profound blessings made possible through Jesus' Atonement. Weekly, as you faithfully partake of the Sacrament, humbly lay your burdens at the altar of Christ. Through repentance and forgiveness, surrender those things that weigh you down and hold you back to Him. Allow the Savior to bear the weight while you prioritize listening to His guidance and following His will. As you align your desires with His, you will find that your challenges become lighter, and the barriers that separate you from Him crumble away. It is essential to recognize that this transformation typically unfolds gradually rather than overnight. It is a process that demands diligent and unwavering effort, requiring consistent work and dedication. However, the rewards of this ongoing journey towards alignment with the Savior's will are immeasurable, paving the way for a profound and lasting connection with the Spirit and a deepened relationship with our Savior.
Align your will with the divine will of God. Cultivate a sincere heart: Ensure that your motives are rightly oriented, directing your focus outward rather than inward. Seek opportunities to serve God and others, prioritizing acts of selflessness over self-serving desires. Shift your perspective from seeking ways for God to serve you, to actively seeking ways to serve Him. By adopting this mindset, you open yourself to the transformative power of humility, love, and genuine service, fostering a deeper connection with God and a greater alignment with His purposes. Embracing this shift in perspective allows you to participate in God's work and experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living a life dedicated to serving others.
Perspiration:
Enhance communication through dedicated prayer and intentional scripture study. John 17 beautifully illustrates many ways that one can more effectively harness the power of prayer. If prayer is a channel for talking to God and asking him questions, then scripture study is a powerfully effective tool that God can uses to answer our questions and concerns as he communicate with us.
The more one invests into their scripture study, the greater the rewards will be: passively reading helps, but it will only get you so far. Studying the culture, history, language, geography, mythologies, symbols, sciences, and literary devices will help one to not only better understand the material, but it will help them to better apply the information to their own circumstances.
Gain the necessary skills to properly and critically examine source material: Rather than relying solely on others, learn how to dive into the material yourself, and learn how to check the reliability of the sources. As a wise proverb says, "Don't drink downstream." Learn how to draw from the pure and Living Waters of Christ directly. Acquire proficiency in accessing and utilizing various trusted tools, such as interlinear bibles, dictionaries, lexicons, concordances, indexes, cross-references, conference materials, and other reputable sources that aid in interpreting and comprehending the scriptures. This approach offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows for exploration of different languages, cultures, and interpretations, facilitating a deeper connection to the material and the mindset of the writers. Secondly, it equips you with the ability to navigate the scriptures more skillfully, strengthening your relationship with the Spirit and the Savior as you seek answers to your questions. Moreover, it leads to greater discoveries and insights as you learn to rely on the Spirit's guidance in navigating through the materials and effectively utilizing the available tools and resources. As you develop this ability, you establish a communication channel with the Spirit and foster a student-teacher relationship with Christ that continually grows and develops in every aspect of your life. Additionally, this approach promotes accuracy and clarity, as even the most well-intentioned individuals can make mistakes and misinterpret significant truths and doctrines. By enhancing your knowledge and skill set, you become better equipped to detect errors, refine your ability to identify and appreciate valuable information, and gain a broader understanding of different perspectives. By actively engaging in personal study and utilizing appropriate resources, you empower yourself to uncover profound insights, cultivate a deeper understanding of the scriptures, and nurture a more intimate relationship with God.
Don't be afraid of making mistakes. The presence of honest mistakes indicates an active pursuit of learning and improvement, which is truly commendable! Embrace your mistakes as valuable learning opportunities and strive to learn from them. Actively seek out resources that can aid you in identifying areas for growth and improvement. Remember that continuous course correction is at the heart of repentance. Embrace repentance as the incredible blessing it truly is, free from any sense of shame or avoidance. Recognize that it is a gift bestowed upon us by Christ, who paid the ultimate price for our redemption. Therefore, repent, forgive yourself and others, let go of past shortcomings, and move forward with Christ, embracing the transformative power of forgiveness and growth.
Application:
Start where you are: It is easy to get overwhelmed, but fortunately, this is not a race; it's a journey, and it is entirely up to you how fast you want to go and how you want to organize your itinerary.
Utilize the Come Follow Me Curriculum: In addition, make the most of the tools and resources available on this website to enhance your learning experience. If you're interested in delving into Hebrew and Greek, you'll find valuable resources tailored to that pursuit. Additionally, if you seek guidance on navigating online digital materials, you'll discover excellent and reputable links and tutorials provided to assist you. To deepen your understanding of the culture, geography, and history, be sure to explore the accompanying tours and links related to the weekly lesson materials. As you engage with and consistently study these resources, you'll gradually grasp concepts that may initially appear unfamiliar. As you develop your skills, expand your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and strengthen your stamina, this knowledge will become an invaluable asset in your toolkit. Over time, you will find that these pieces start to fall into place, making more sense and contributing to your overall understanding. Patience and faith are key as you pursue this knowledge. If it is a goal you genuinely desire and work diligently towards, you will ultimately achieve it.
Pay attention to patterns, and learn from examples. There are numerous exemplary sources to draw inspiration from, such as prophets and apostles (both ancient and modern), scholars, teachers, scribes, and interpreters. It is beneficial to compare and contrast the various interpretations and perspectives found within the Biblical records, while also seeking alignment with modern revelation. It is worth noting that during my research and work, I have encountered several individuals from many different religious backgrounds who have encountered materials and experiences that have caused them to question their faith. It is natural for such challenges to arise, given that we live in a fallen world where people, governments, and institutions are prone to mistakes (sometimes tragic ones). In my personal experience, I have observed that a layer of grime can sometimes cover the surface of the proverbial pond. Individuals may become trapped in this film of muck and debris, which can lead to a crisis of faith. It is important to recognize that these murky and polluted waters are the result of human challenges, agendas, politics, messes, and problems. However, it is essential to remember that these issues do not have to become your own. The water that Chist offers is pure, clean, and undefiled; if you find yourself in murky waters, move past the film by diving deeper and/or moving upstream. Sometimes the film is thin and superficial, and other times the pond is poison. In these challenging and potentially dangerous situations, it is essential for one to develop a relationship with the Spirit so that one can hear and follow His directions during these spiritual storms.
Read the Links and footnotes: This is where the magic happens. Writers are only able to do so much; they frequently have to condense so much material down into just a few lines or phrases and there is no way they can adequately do justice to all of the material. In this study, every source can be an adventure, so click on the links and follow the trail. You are sure to find many exciting quests and treasures!
Share and collaborate: There is so much work to be done. So many gems awaiting discovery, so much unpacking, deciphering, publishing, teaching, and learning. The Lord needs all of us to engage in His work, to plant, nurture, harvest, and preserve his precious fruit. He has called us all to be laborers in his vineyard. If you find something that is virtuous, lovely, praiseworthy, or of good report, seek after those things and share them. Share them with a friend, share them with a class, publish, promote, encourage, and let your voice be added to the choirs of testimonies praising the Lamb of God, Our Savior, and the Redeemer of the World!
Significant Words... Homework to wet your whistle and get you started:
In the cross-references this week, I have included links to several significant words that stood out to me in the materials. When you come across a word that stands out to you, look it up. Research the history of the word, how it is used in the context of scripture, and how different scribes have interpreted the word. Look for etymological resources in the concordances, see how that word was derived, how was it translated from Hebrew, and how was it was translated into English. Look for different ways that those words can be interpreted, do these additional interpretations help to provide context and clarity? Do they offer insights or perspectives about the culture? How do our modern English translations offer insights and perspective into our society and culture, and how do these interpretations differ from the earlier intended traditions? Look the word up in the Topical Guide, Index, LDS Tools search engine, The Scripture Citation Index, Webster's 1828 dictionary, or a Book of Mormon Concordance. Are these references helpful, what can they teach us? Look for cognates, related or connected words that have the same linguistic derivation as another; from the same original word or root. For example, the English word "mother" and the Spanish word "madre" are cognates, both derived from the same Proto-Indo-European root. What can you learn from these connections, sources, and exercises?
As an example, here is a brief exploration of the word Believe, translated from the Greek word pistevete.
πιστεύετε (pisteuete), is frequently translated from Hebrew הֶאֱמִין (he'emin): πιστεύετε (pisteuete) is the second person plural, formal, or imperative conjugation of the Greek word πιστεύω pisteuō which is translated as "ye believe." The root "pistis," means "believe, trust, and have faith," and is intricately linked to the verb "πειθω" which signifies being persuaded, gaining confidence, and fostering trust. These verbs embody a powerful sense of action, necessitating intentional effort, logical reasoning, mental processing, and steadfast diligence.
The encompassing scope of the verb "πιστευω" (pisteuo) surpasses the limitations of the English verb "to believe." It not only signifies the assimilation of reliable information or resources (as seen in passages like Luke 16:10-12 (INT) and John 20:27 (INT), but it also implies a transformative process where the believer becomes more aligned with the information, thus gaining trustworthiness within their own audience and ultimately reflecting the characteristics of the source (as exemplified in Philippians 3:21, and Mosiah 5:1-2). The multifaceted nature of "pistis" and "pisteuo" unveils a profound depth that transcends mere intellectual belief, encompassing a transformative journey toward trust, alignment, and personal growth. It is noteworthy that the word "apostasy" originates from this root, with the prefix "a-" functioning as a negating prefix, indicating the exact opposite of "pistis," as seen in the word play of the previous interlinear translation of John 20:27 (INT).
Regarding the English term "believe," this word relates to the Greek term "pistis" in its core meaning of trust, faith, and confidence. While "believe" captures certain aspects of "pistis," understanding the etymology of the word enhances one's comprehension of this verb. The English term "believe" finds its origins in the Old English words "lēof" or "gelēfan," which conveys a sense of love, desire, acceptance, trust, and faith. This etymology implies that belief encompasses more than mere intellectual agreement or assent; it also entails a deep sense of desire to love, trust, and rely on something or someone. It signifies a willingness to accept someone or something as true, to place confidence in them, and to live in accordance with the object of one's belief. Understanding this etymology allows us to recognize that "belief" is an active and transformative process, engaging both the mind and the heart. It invites us to embrace trust, have faith, and manifest our beliefs in our thoughts, actions, and character. As Christ calls upon us to believe in Him in John 14:1, he is asking us to love Him, to trust Him, and to strive to become like Him. He encourages us to to embark on a journey of trust, devotion, and personal transformation in our preparations for eternal exaltation.
One could do the same type of analysis for every single word of the text and gain so many insights that volumes of information would have to be created to house them all. This is one of my favorite ways to study because this is when I feel closest to the Savior, as I feel his Spirit direct me on the paths he wants to show me. I feel like I am getting a first hand, personal, VIP tour into his heart and mind as he excitedly shows me all of his most valuable treasures. Sometimes I weep, other times I laugh because the Savior is a master of words, with an amazing sense of humor, wit, and charm. One can catch glimpses of his personality and sheer brilliance in many of the word plays found throughout scriptures, as one develops their relationship with Christ in a profoundly personal way. After each and every study session I am edified and exhausted, but I am so grateful, and I anxiously look forward to my next adventure. Through this process, I have learned that I am never alone, he is always with me, in every word, in every breath, and in every moment.
Major Topics & Events
Major Event/ Topic | Location | Scripture Reference | Cross-Reference | Video/ References |
Last Supper: | | | ||
Jesus comforts the disciples | Jerusalem, Upper Room | | ||
In My Father's House, there are many mansions | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 14:1-5 | | |
I Am the Way and the Truth | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 14:6 | | |
The Father and the Son | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 14:7-14 | | |
If Ye Love me, Keep My Commandments | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 14:15 | | |
Another Comforter | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 14:16–31 (INT) | | |
I will not leave you comfortless | | John 14:18 | | |
Ye Shall know that I am... See me | | John 14:19-20 | | |
If a man love me...we will make our abode with him | | John 14:21-25 | | |
The True Vine | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 15:1–8 (INT) | ||
New Commandment: Love one Another | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 15:9–17 (INT) | | |
Greater Love hath no man than this...that he lay down his life for his friends | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 15:13-17 | | |
Hatred of the world, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen and ordained you | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 15:16–25 (INT) | ἐξελέξασθε, בָּחַר "I have chosen you," ἔθηκα, שׂוּם נָתַן, הֵשִׁית, הַנִיחַ, "ordained, placed, inhabit, abide," ὀνόματί , שֵׁם "my name," μισεῖ, שָׂנֵא "hate", "misery" μνημονεύετε, זָכַר "remember," ἁμαρτίαν, ἁμαρτάνω, חֵטְא "sin, to miss the mark" πρόφασιν "cloke, to cover light, shield, reason, λόγος, דָּבָר, אֹמֶר, מִלָּה, אוֹת "word, sign, law, decree, oath, saying" | |
The Spirit of truth testifies | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 15:26–27 (INT) | μαρτυρήσει, עוּד, עָנָה "testify, witness, martyr" | |
Major Events/ Topics | Location | Scripture | Cross-References | Videos/ Resources |
Warnings to the Apostles. They will put you out of the synagogues, and they will kill you, thinking they are doing a service to God | Jerusalem, Upper Room | |||
It is expedient that I go away because if I don't, the Comforter will not come | | John 16:6-11 | | |
Much I have yet to say unto you, but ye cannot bear their power now. However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. | | John 16:12-16 | | |
Opposition: Joy and sorrow, proverb and plainness | Jerusalem, Upper Room | | ||
Prophecy: Flock to be scattered | Jerusalem, Upper Room | Matthew 26:31–32 (INT), Mark 14:27 (INT) σκορπισθῆτε, הֵפִיץ, "scattered" | | |
Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 16:33 | | ||
Jesus’ Intercessory Prayer | Jerusalem, Upper Room to Gethsemane | Luke 22:31-34 (INT) | ||
Petition to the Father | On the road to Gethsemane | John 17:1-2 | | |
Prayer with Purpose, to know God | On the road to Gethsemane | John 17:3 | | |
Genuine Self-Reflection | On the road to Gethsemane | John 17:4-5 | | |
Devoted Stewardship | On the road to Gethsemane | John 17:6-19 | | |
Proactive Anticipation: I pray for those who believe through the words of the disciples | On the road to Gethsemane | John 17:20 | | |
Affirmation of Solidarity: Unifed as One | On the road to Gethsemane | John 17:21-23 | ἓν,אֶחָד, אֶלֶף יָחַד "one, united," ἀπέστειλας (apostle) "thou hast sent" | |
Eternal Love | On the road to Gethsemane | John 17:23-24 | I have given this glory to them, that they may be τετελειωμένοιmade perfect in one. Thou hast ἠγάπησας loved them as thou hast loved me. | |
On the road to Gethsemane | John 17:25-26 | |
Church Videos & Resources
The Last Supper (John 13: 1-35)
Jesus Warns Peter and Offers the Intercessory Prayer (Luke 22: 31-34)
The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 36-57)
Scripture Central
The Bible Project
BYU’s RSC
Messages of Christ
Holy Week (This link takes you to Daniel's Blog site, and it has a fantastic overview with numerous videos that are excellent. I suggest binging them all!)
Video Tours of the Holy Land
Additional Videos & Insights
