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John Chapter Fifteen

1. Having introduced the basics of Church Age Paterology in the upper room (Jn. 14), the Lord went on to describe the work of the Father as the Vinedresser as they approached the garden of Gethsemane (Jn. 15:1-17).
2. This is the thrust of His seventh and final I AM message: The Vine (Jn. 15:1,5).
   1. A believer becomes a true disciple by abiding in the Word of God (Jn. 8:31).
   2. A believer proves (demonstrates) their discipleship by abiding in Christ and allowing Christ and His Word to abide in them (Jn. 15:1-8).
      1. Such proven disciples are the only believers who bear fruit (v.4,5).
      2. Such believers have infinite prayer privileges (v.7).
      3. Such believers glorify the Father (v.8).
3. A proven disciple can then grow into the abiding mental-attitude of unconditional love (Jn. 15:9-17).  This is fellowship with the Son and with the Father.
4. A proven disciple, walking in love, in fellowship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can face the hatred of the κόσμος kosmos with confidence (Jn. 15:18-27).

John Chapter Sixteen

1. Jesus picks up His train of thought from chapter fifteen (Jn. 15:18-27), with a warning concerning the angelic conflict in the coming Church Age (Jn. 16:1-6).  
   Basic Paterology (Jn. 14) and 
   Intermediate Paterology (Jn. 15) lead to 
   Advanced Paterology (Jn. 16).
2. Jesus encouraged them that the Church Age will be the greatest dispensation (advantage) with a glorified Christ in the Father’s presence, and a glorifying Holy Spirit in believers’ presence (Jn. 16:7-15; cf. 14:16-18,26; 15:26).
3. The disciples are furiously trying to figure out the “little while” and how long it will be until they see Him again (Jn. 16:16-22).
4. Jesus assures His disciples that the coming age will be one of plain language service to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ (Jn. 16:23-30).
5. Jesus concluded His address to the disciples with a parting admonition concerning tribulation and overcoming (Jn. 16:31-33).

John Chapter Seventeen

1. John 17 is the true Lord’s Prayer.  This is His intercession to the Father on behalf of His disciples (and their disciples, v.20) in the moments before His betrayal.
2. Jesus Christ has accomplished the purpose for His earthly life (Jn. 17:1-4), and is prepared to accomplish the purpose for His death (Jn. 17:5).
3. Christ prayed for His disciples:
   1. To be kept in the Father’s name (v.11).
   2. To be given His full joy (v.13).
   3. To keep them from the evil one (v.15).
   4. To sanctify them in the Truth (v.17).
   5. To provide for their unity (v.11,21-23).
   6. To know the love of Christ (v.26).
4. The depths of John 17 express the culmination of the entire Gospel’s Paterological approach.
5. The Upper Room and Walk to the Garden Discourse is uniquely Ecclesiastical in contrast to every other discourse Jesus delivered. Without violating mystery doctrine of the Church, Jesus faithfully provided content that would be reflected upon by the Apostles once the mystery of the Church is unveiled beginning at Pentecost (cf. Jn. 16:4,12-13).