Wednesday Bible Study Recap
This week, our Wednesday Bible Study focused on John 14. We began with a warm-up question that invited everyone to share personal experiences of finding comfort during difficult times, setting the stage for a meaningful discussion.
Pastor Marvel explained that John 13 is a chapter of preparation, where Jesus prepares His disciples for what is about to happen through the washing of the disciples' feet and the Last Supper. John 14–17 can be understood as Jesus' testament—His final teachings, promises, and prayers before His arrest and crucifixion. In these chapters, Jesus comforts His followers, promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, calls them to remain in His love, and prays for their unity and mission.
Pastor Marvel then invited the group to reflect on an important question: Why were the disciples so worried about Jesus leaving? Together, we explored several possibilities. They would lose His daily guidance and presence, they were uncertain about how the ministry would continue, and some may have been concerned about the status or position they thought they had because they followed Jesus. Pastor Marvel pointed to other moments in the Gospels where the disciples wrestled with status and recognition, including when James and John asked to sit at Jesus' right and left in His glory (Mark 10:35–45; see also Matthew 20:20–28), and when the disciples argued about who was the greatest among them (Luke 9:46–48).
We then explored Jesus' response in John 14. Although the disciples were facing uncertainty and future hardships, Jesus reassured them that they would not be left alone. He promised to send the Holy Spirit—the Comforter—to guide, strengthen, and remain with them.
From a United Methodist perspective, we reflected on how God's grace sustains us through life's challenges. We discussed the importance of finding comfort in Christ, staying connected to God and one another, and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead us with hope and courage. Just as the disciples learned they were never abandoned, we too are reminded that God's presence continues to strengthen us, even in our most difficult moments.
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