Ancient Anglican

Jesus came into the world to glorify and bear witness to the Father, and here Jesus is passing on this mission to the disciples.

Therefore, as we hear this Gospel story, we should understand that we, too, are Lazarus.

The concept of eternal life does not refer to duration, but quality. Those who know the true God live in “eternal life” right now and experience this quality of God’s life as a present possession.

“I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The Paraclete, however, will be there to guide the disciples in understanding the truth of the teachings of Jesus. This is the role that the Spirit continues to have in the Church today.

In th e coming persecution, the Paraclete, “the Spirit of Truth,” will bear witness to Jesus, and the disciples, under the power of the Paraclete, will as well.

We are the branches. All of our nourishment, stability, and strength come from the vine itself, and nowhere else

Jesus promises his disciples (and us) his continued Presence with them, the coming of the Paraclete, and the power of his Peace.

The work of the Incarnate Son is to make the Father known, but the work of the disciples will be greater because the disciples will make the Father known throughout the whole world.

The disciples’ unity based on their love for one another will be a sign to others as to the true nature of Jesus and the Father. Jesus will glorify the Father on the Cross, and the disciples will glorify the Father with their Love for one another.

Then as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men.

The major themes that come out of these teachings are servanthood and love, the promise and work of the Holy Spirit, our relationship with Christ and with the World, and, ultimately, our union with the Father.