The Heart of Christ

When some of the great theologians of the past describe these chapters in John’s gospel as a ‘window into Christ’s heart’, and words that ‘exhibit Christ’s soul’*, you know you’re treading on holy ground as you approach them. 

There’s a deep gravitas that accompanies these chapters.  Twenty four hours after these words are uttered, Jesus will be dead.  A lifeless corpse.  His body will betray the marks of one who has been beaten and betrayed, flogged and fled from.  He who is the Bread of life, and the Light of the World, will breathe his last tortured breath under the darkest sky.  It’s an unfathomable reality that lies before him.  

But for now, we join him in a small room with his disciples, with the tender privilege of eavesdropping on some of his final moments.  Indeed, what we have before us are his final words to his closest friends, as they celebrate the Passover together.  What does Jesus most want to share with his disciples?  What do they most need to know? 

As we walk through these chapters, we’re going to be bowled over by weighty declarations about Christ’s Identity, Person, Purpose, Work, Word and Mission.  But in the midst of it all, the light shines into the very heart of Christ, as he bears his soul to those closest to him.  We’re going to see his heart for God’s glory.  We’re going to hear of His heart for his disciples.  And as we hear him pray, we’ll even be given a glimpse of his heart for you and me.

What holy riches lie before us. Will you join us as we listen to what Jesus has to say?

*Thomas Goodwin and John Calvin respectively.